R-L Dr. Oluremi Saliu,Prof. Rotimi Ogidan,Prof. Ajibola Saheed,Dr. Osang Francis and Mrs. Patience Ilodo
A 2-day mock accreditation exercise of the Faculties of Sciences and Health Science of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has taken place at the McCarthy Study Centre, Lagos, with BSc. Computer Science and BSc. Health Science courses as the central focal points.
The team that comprised of the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Ajibola Saheed Oluwatoyin, H.O.D. Computer Science, Dr. Osang Francis, and the H.O.D Environmental Health Sciences, Dr. Oluremi Saliu, was accompanied by Mrs. Patience Ilodo of the Directorate of Academic Planning during the visit on Monday, September 5, 2022.
They visited the centre to test-run its preparedness as the university is expecting to host the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the upcoming accreditation exercise later this year.
Ajibola, who headed the team, stated that they were duly authorized to inspect structural facilities, learning materials, staff and students’ records, offices, and evidence of activities, among other things.
The mock accreditation team deliberating on issues
The academic team, accompanied by the centre’s director, Prof. Rotimi Ogidan and staff members, toured the facility, and visited offices like the councillors’ office, ICT, library, store, administrative offices, lobby and other parts of the building.
According to Ogidan, the study centre is psychologically and physically prepared to receive the accreditation team.
“We’ve held series of staff meetings to identify the different needs that will enable us to scale through the NUC accreditation exercise without difficulty this time,” he said.
He further stated that from their own assessment and prompt response to resolving the challenges in the centre, they were certain that the centre is fully prepared to host the NUC accreditation team.
However, the academic team acknowledged that the study centre has limited resources needed for a successful accreditation exercise.
Group photograph at the end of the exercise
During the visit to the centre’s store, it was noticed that some of the materials were outdated.
One of the visiting team members observed that some of the materials have been reviewed, and recommended that the store officers should get the list of registrable courses and liaise with each officer in charge in the various faculties.
Another member observed that the building has no power connection and the two generators were bad.
”We could not power the system, especially the online library. Electrical cables were bad and the light is poor. Serious work needs to be done,” he stated.
The team commended the effort of the management but encouraged the institution to look into the issues that will be included in their report.
