Oko-Irese, June 26, 2023
A delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Team arrived at Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) to conduct an assessment of the proposed Faculty of Engineering. The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor and university managemnt, fostering collaboration and transparency between the University and the NUC. The team's visit is part of the accreditation process to ensure the university meets the necessary standards for offering Engineering programs in the Departments of Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communication Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
The opening meeting, held yesterday at the Senate Chamber of the University campus in the esteemed presence of the university management and the NUC delegation, set the stage for an insightful exchange of ideas and expectations. The meeting began with introducing both parties, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. TAU, known for its commitment to providing quality education, has been making significant strides in expanding its academic offerings. The establishment of the Faculty of Engineering is a demonstration of the university's dedication to fostering excellence in the field of Engineering and Technological education.
Led by Dr. Victoria Pillah, NUC Deputy Director of Programme Planning, the NUC Resource Verification Team comprises various experts in Engineering disciplines, Prof. Yakubu Ibrahim, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, the Federal University of Technology Minna, Prof. Tomas Ijimdiya, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Mrs. Zainab Sani, Chief Academic NUC Planning. The team's primary objective is to evaluate the readiness of TAU's proposed Faculty of Engineering and assess five departments that are expected to be part of the new Faculty: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Communication Engineering, and Department of Computer Engineering.
The Director of Academic Planning, Dr. M.O Oduwaiye extended a warm welcome to the NUC Resource Verification Team, expressing the University’s gratitude for the team's visit. Following the warm welcome, a short prayer was led by Dr. James Ishola, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences. Speaking about the visit, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo welcomed everyone to the University community. She expressed her delight, stating, " We are a self-sustaining Institution and we are honored to have the NUC Resource Verification Team here at Thomas Adewumi University. The establishment of the Faculty of Engineering is a crucial step for us, and we are committed to ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality education." She further emphasized the university's commitment to providing quality education in the field of Engineering.
In her remarks, Prof. Francisca said, "Our Chancellor (Engr. Dr. J.B.O Adewumi) is an accomplished Civil Engineer, and desires to contribute to the training of Engineers in Nigeria. This proposed faculty of Engineering will put not just Oko on the Nigeria map but also the World map”. She also stated that TAU initially applied for three programmes for the faculty of Engineering but the NUC Executive secretary, Prof. Abubakar Abdulrasheed added two extra programmes out of his own will, making 5 programmes for TAU’s Faculty of Engineering. “We desire to grow as a young university and we have invested significant resources in establishing the proposed Faculty of Engineering, and we look forward to showcasing our commitment to quality education in Engineering”. She concluded by appreciating the team for coming to accomplish the desire of our Chancellor and that of the Institution.
The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Olanrewaju welcomed and sincerely appreciated the team on behalf of the Council. He highlighted "TAU is a STEM-i Institution in which Engineering is the backbone. We cannot grow technologically without the Faculty of Engineering, and the university is dedicated to academic excellence, research, and community engagement". The Pro-Chancellor refers to TAU as a “home away from home” He appreciated the efforts undertaken by the University management to establish a state-of-the-art Faculty of Engineering, equipped with modern infrastructure and qualified faculty members. He also appreciated and extended his gratitude to the NUC executive secretary for his kind heart and efforts toward the University.
In response, the NUC team lead (Dr. Victoria Pillah) delivered the warm greetings of the NUC Executive secretary to the Institution and said a big congratulations to the Founder/Chancellor for bringing back his best to society. She further expressed their appreciation for the University's hospitality and enthusiasm. They acknowledged the importance of resource verification in ensuring the compliance of proposed faculties with the NUC's standards and guidelines, and they have come to add value to the Institution. She concluded by appreciating the Vice-Chancellor for her kind gestures and the entire University community for supporting her as a Female. On behalf of the Founder/Chancellor, Prof. Francisca welcomed the team for being around even as the festive is fast approaching and wished the team the best in the exercise as it commences.
Following the brief remarks, the NUC Resource Verification Team embarked on the crucial resources exercise. The NUC team will evaluate the University's infrastructure, faculty qualifications, curriculum design, laboratory facilities, library resources, and other essential components necessary for providing a robust Engineering education. This comprehensive assessment aims to ensure that the proposed faculty meets the required standards set by the NUC. The verification process by the team is a critical step toward obtaining full accreditation for the proposed Faculty of Engineering. Once approved, the University will be able to offer undergraduate programmes in Engineering, further enhancing its academic offerings and attracting aspiring engineers from across the country. Thomas Adewumi University remains committed to providing an enabling environment for academic excellence and hopes to secure the necessary accreditation to offer Engineering programmes that meet the highest educational standards in the country.
Other attendees of the meeting include; Representative of BOT (Dr. J. T Oderinde), Principal Officers, the Dean of the Faculties including the Proposed Faculty of Engineering (Prof. J. K Odusote) H.O.Ds of the Proposed Faculty of Engineering, and other members of staff present.
