The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Universities Commission (NUC)

  • NUC accredits 25 programmes for BUK

    NUC accredits 25 programmes for BUK

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited no fewer than 25 programmes for Bayero University, Kano (BUK)in 2016.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of the University Mr Ahmad Shehu and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Saturday.

    According to the statement, the programmes that were granted full accreditation by the Commission cut across 10 faculties in the University.

    “This was contained in a summary of results of the November-December, 2016 national accreditation exercise conducted by the Commission.

    “The report was signed by the NUC’s Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. N.B.Saliu,” the statement said.

    The statement recalled that between November and December, 2016, the National Universities Commission had despatched a powerful accreditation team to Bayero University, Kano along with other universities with the sole aim of examining some of its programmes.

    The team visited 10 faculties including Agriculture, Arts and Islamic Studies, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, and Engineering.

    Others were: Science, Law, Social and Management Sciences and Communication.

    “At the end of the exercise, the team prepared and submitted technical reports to its Quality Assurance Directorate and the summary of such reports released by the NUC showed that BUK had an excellent performance.

    “It was based on that performance that the University was able to secure full accreditation for all the 25 programmes visited by the accreditation team, with an average score of 86.7 per cent.

    “With the latest development, BUK has once again taken the lead position among Nigerian Universities with its performance in the 2016 NUC accreditation exercise.”the statement added.

  • NUC accredits 25 programmes for BUK in 2016

    NUC accredits 25 programmes for BUK in 2016

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited no fewer than 25 programmes for Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in 2016.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of the University Mr Ahmad Shehu and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Saturday.

    According to the statement, the programmes that were granted full accreditation by the Commission cut across 10 faculties in the University.

    “This was contained in a summary of results of the November-December, 2016 national accreditation exercise conducted by the Commission.

    “The report was signed by the NUC’s Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. N.B.Saliu,” the statement said.

    The statement recalled that between November and December, 2016, the National Universities Commission had despatched a powerful accreditation team to Bayero University, Kano along with other universities with the sole aim of examining some of its programmes.

    The team visited 10 faculties including Agriculture, Arts and Islamic Studies, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, and Engineering.

    Others were: Science, Law, Social and Management Sciences and Communication.

    “At the end of the exercise, the team prepared and submitted technical reports to its Quality Assurance Directorate and the summary of such reports released by the NUC showed that BUK had an excellent performance.

    “It was based on that performance that the University was able to secure full accreditation for all the 25 programmes visited by the accreditation team, with an average score of 86.7 per cent.

    “With the latest development, BUK has once again taken the lead position among Nigerian Universities with its performance in the 2016 NUC accreditation exercise.”the statement added.

  • Matriculation: Varsity warns students against cultism, drugs

    The Plateau State University, Bokkos, on Wednesday, warned its 996 new students against cultism, drugs and theft.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Doknan Sheni, gave this warning at the matriculation for the 2016/2017 session in Bokkos.

    “You should count yourselves lucky to be matriculated today because out of no fewer than 10, 000 candidates, who applied to this university, 966 were successful and admitted.

    “As our students, you are implored to study hard and be disciplined, especially by shunning all social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, hard drugs, drunkenness, rape, and other misconducts that might earn you expulsion’’.

    According to him, the university’s motto is: “Knowledge, Diligence and Integrity

    Sheni said the institution had a culture of sticking to its principles and norms, which were in conformity to global best practices and the drive for the achievement of standards among Nigerian universities.

    “You must, therefore, as a matter of fact, choose to conduct yourselves responsibly, to justify the confidence reposed in you by the admission offered to you’’.

    Sheni said the university would teach them about ethics and good conduct besides their education programmes, to qualify and be worthy in character and learning.

    He said the management of the institution was committed to bequeathing a legacy of a functional, effective and efficient university system, comparable to other highly-rated institutions in the world.

    The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had scored the first convocation of the university 95 per cent.

    He advised Local Governments, wealthy individuals and philanthropists to invest in the university by building hostels, hotels or motels that could enable them to generate revenue.

    “Besides our students and staff, who are staying outside the university campus, our guests, who come to attend our functions can be accommodated there.

    “I am ready to give land to any developer, especially the LGs, to build their hostels that will be named after the councils, which will continue to generate funds for them,’’ he assured.

     

  • Borno university to commence academic activities with 2,500 students

    The newly established Borno State University is to commence academic activities this year with 2,500 students, State Commissioner for Higher Education, Malam Ahmad Jaha, disclosed on Tuesday.

    Jaha told newsmen in Maiduguri that government was in the process of appointing a Vice-Chancellor and other management staff for the university.

    He said that the university would begin operations with five faculties, namely Art, Science, Education, Social Science, and Management Science.

    “We are hoping that the university will begin academic activities before the end of the year, with at least 2, 500 students.

    “After securing the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) last year, we embarked on the processes of building solid foundation for the take-off of the institution.

    “Our target is to set up a world-class university that can stand the test of time, that is why we are following due processes in our actions.

    “Presently we are in the process of getting a Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other management staff for the smooth take off of the university,’’ he said.

    He pointed out that the management team would be responsible for the implementation of the academic plan and other regulations of the university.

    “We are collaboration with the technical committee of the university to ensure that we get the most qualified person as the Vice-Chancellor.

    “We want somebody that has interest, somebody that has integrity, somebody with passion for university education, to start working immediately,’’ Jaha said.

    The commissioner said provision had been made for two hostels that would accommodate about 500 students while the remaining 2000 would be off campus for the time being.

     

  • Fed University Wukari to offer employment to 16 First Class graduands

    Fed University Wukari to offer employment to 16 First Class graduands

    The Federal University Wukari in Taraba has promised to offer automatic employment to all the 16 graduating students of the institution that came out with first class degrees.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Abubakar Kundiri who disclosed this during the maiden Convocation of the institution on Saturday in Wukari, also said that those who were willing to pick up the appointment, would similarly be trained up their 3rd level degrees.

    He said that the decision of the university in this direction was to encourage others to work hard to attain such heights and also to develop quality manpower for the new institution.

    In his remarks at the occasion the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof Abubakar Abdulrasheed commended the decision of the university to engage the services of the best graduating students.

    Represented by Malam Ibrahim Yakasai, the Head of Public Affairs of the Commission, the Executive Secretary said that the NUC would continue to support the institution in its manpower development.

    Also in his valedictory the best graduating student Mr. David Adashu, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, pledged to represent the good image of institution.

    He also enjoined his fellow graduands to remain calm in face of difficulties, seize the opportunity to do good, celebrate every achievement and give back to their communities, no matter how little.

     

  • KWASU: 1st Nigerian university to offer aeronautical engineering programme

    KWASU: 1st Nigerian university to offer aeronautical engineering programme

    The Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, in Moro Local Government Area of the state, has become the first university to run Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree programme in the country.

    This is sequel to the approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    The NUC approval is contained in a statement by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, in Ilorin on Monday.

    The Vice-Chancellor claimed that the university had formally submitted an invitation to NUC for accreditation, and assured that the university was fully ready for the exercise.

    Na’allah congratulated all the students and staff of the institution`s College of Engineering and Technology, particularly the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

    He attributed the accreditation of the course to the hard work and patience of the students and staff of the university.

    KWASU’s college of engineering and technology currently offers courses in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, food, agricultural and biological engineering and material science and engineering.

    Dr Muyideen Akorede, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the government would continue to promote sound scholarship for citizens.

    He said the current administration has completed the construction of an N800 million engineering complex for the university to boost learning and teaching in the citadel of learning.

    Kwara State University is the 77th university to be registered by the NUC.

     

  • Sokoto State University matriculates 1,367 students

    Sokoto State University matriculates 1,367 students

    The Sokoto State University, Sokoto, on Monday, matriculated the 1,367 students it admitted for the 2016/2017 academic session.

    The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, said at the 4th matriculation ceremony of the university that the new students were admitted out of over 13,000 candidates.

    He said “this shows that this university is gaining ground in becoming an institution where both parents and students want to come to pursue their educational career.

    “As a matter of fact, our second choice candidates were more than 12,000. This is an indication of the tremendous confidence they have in us.”

    Yaqub commended the state government “for efforts to provide adequate funds and facilities to the university.”

    The vice chancellor also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), among others, “for the massive support to the institution.”

    He warned students against flouting the rules and regulations of the university and urged them to be honest, hardworking and dedicated to their studies.

    He also cautioned the students against acts capable of breaching the peaceful nature the university was known for.

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, the Visitor to the university, admonished the students to prepare mentally and physically for their academic sojourn in the institution.

    He said “you cannot attain victory without resolution and determination, as such; you should become more determined for success.

    “Sokoto State Government would continue to make the campus safe and secure for effective teaching and learning.

    “We will also remain committed to the welfare of students and staff and will meet all the requirements for the forthcoming accreditation by the NUC.

    “I am also happy that the university is reflecting federal character although it is wholly owned by Sokoto State Government.”

    The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, commended the state government for ensuring massive infrastructure development in the institution.

    Highlight of the ceremony was the inauguration of some projects executed by TETFUND, NUC, NCC and the state government.

    They included 750-seater and 500-seater lecture theatres, laboratories, ICT equipment and landscaping.

     

  • Education: NUC collaborates with NAB Ghana, Sussex University

    Education: NUC collaborates with NAB Ghana, Sussex University

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) is collaborating with the National Accreditation Board (NAB), Ghana and Sussex University, United Kingdom, to develop a proposal to reposition higher education for sustainable development.

    This is contained in a current NUC bulletin made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Prof. Abubarkar Rasheed, Executive Secretary, NUC, said the collaboration was with a view to winning the Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Innovation and Reforms (SPHEIR) Grant.

    The SPHEIR Grant is a creation of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) programme, geared towards the transformation of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

    Rasheed expressed hope that the collaboration would go beyond the current initiative.

    He said that the myriad of challenges bedeviling the African continent could be attributed to the lack of investment in higher education and research.

    He said this was responsible for the prevailing level of socio-economic development vis-à-vis the global ranking of African Universities and African nations in the committee of universities and nation.

    The NUC scribe underscored the importance of trans-border collaboration amongst higher education institutions in the continent, particularly in the areas of teaching and research.

    He noted the uniqueness of Ghana and Nigeria within the West-Africa Sub-Region, saying that the collaboration would no doubt rekindle the Pan-African spirit among higher education within the region.

    He further called for the streamlining of curriculum and adoption of a common policy on credit transfer to encourage academic mobility of students and faculty in the continent.

    He assured the delegation from Ghana that the management of NUC would always be ready to welcome laudable ideas and support the ongoing synergy.

    In his response, the leader of the delegation and Executive Secretary, NAB Ghana, Prof. Kwame Fatty expressed delight for the willingness of the commission to partner NAB in accessing SPHEIR grant.

    He said that only academic cooperation and collaboration between both countries would promote academic excellence and elevate the continent above its challenges.

     

  • University matriculates 1,569 students

    University matriculates 1,569 students

    Federal University, Kashere (FUK) has matriculated 1,569 students for 2016/2017 Academic Session.
    The matriculating students who cut across different segments of the country took the matriculation oath to abide by the rules and regulations of the University.
    In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Alhassan Gani, said the university is destined for higher education owing to the interest shown by applicants who sort admission.
     He said; “Our past performances in terms of student output, quality of teaching and conducive learning environment earned us this attraction. We must, therefore, sustain efforts in providing quality education. This puts us on the watch academic excellence.”
    The VC further charged the students to take their studies seriously by promptly attending lectures, reporting all assignments and participating in all other academic activities enshrined in the curriculum.
    He stated his determination to see that the institution becomes a centre of learning, adding “since our motto is ‘Education for Global Citizenship’, we must strive hard not to only be current with trend of events that sustain life while preserving the environment but being participants and major contributions in all endeavours in a sustainable environment.”
    He enumerated achievements recorded within the short period of its establishment to include, accreditation of its programmes and the expansion of the University Clinic into a health Centre.
    “The University has four Faculties, 19 Academic Departments and 34 Academic programmes.
    “Out of the 22 Degree programmes presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for accreditation, all the five programmes in Faculty of Science and four in Faculty of Humanities secured full status while the rest were given interim.
    “It is important to note that none of our programmes was denied accreditation. This year 12 programmes will be presented for accreditation and we are making efforts to ensure they all scale through.”
    Speaking on building projects, Gani thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for allocating funds for the construction of buildings for faculties of Agriculture and Education and Chancellery for administration in the University.
    He also acknowledged the contribution of the Federal Government in its drive to adequately fund the institution of higher learning.
    The Don disclosed that FUK will soon commence Remedial and Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programmes in Gombe state and appealed for support from all stakeholders.
    He added that the National Centre for Remote Sensing, Jos and FUK signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the University to host its North East Zonal Laboratory.
  • Porous foundation responsible for low graduates’ quality – Okebukola

    Porous foundation responsible for low graduates’ quality – Okebukola

    The recent drop in the quality of graduates from tertiary institutions has been attributed to the lack of good foundation. Prof. Peter Okebukola, the Pro-Chancellor, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun, made this statement on Wednesday.

    Okebukola, who is also a former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), said this at the 8th convocation ceremony of Crawford University.

    The faith-based university is owned by the Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa.

    Okebukola said that the blame for the poor quality of graduates cannot be solely shouldered by tertiary education scholars alone, but poor foundation contributed largely to the menace.

    “We are burdened with the overall poor quality of graduates from Nigerian university system. Over the last 25 years, NUC and other stakeholders have been battling with redeeming the poor image.

    “Many of the redemption strategies have apparently not worked. Now is the time to change strategy in the spirit of this administration’s `Change Mantra’ and there are six strategies to employ.

    “The proposal on these strategies is based on the intensive study of the Nigerian university system over the last two years and consideration of recent international best practices,’’ he said.

    The pro-chancellor said that for the education system to be brought back to its glorious years, it must undergo a complete overhaul.

    “The first thing we should do is to undertake a complete overhaul of the basic and senior secondary system to improve the feedstock into our universities.

    “Why blame the universities for the poor quality of graduates if all you are feeding them is mediocre and poor quality secondary school leavers.

    “We cannot throw garbage into our universities and expect to reap gold. We need a complete turnaround of our pre-tertiary education because that is where the foundation is laid.

    “If the foundation is faulty, the tertiary level will have little to do because it is like a graduate that cannot construct a simple sentence in English; can he or she learn that in a higher institution?,’’ he asked.

    Okebukola advised that Nigeria should take a cue from other countries that have revamped their education sector through improved basic education.

    “We need to turn to countries with exemplary practices in this sub-sector as confirmed by the 2016 international comparisons of performance.

    “A way that is working in relatively poor countries as Singapore and Finland is to significantly improve investment in teachers’ quality, facilities and monitoring of the curriculum delivery process.

    “The second strategy is to pay attention to improvement in the quality and quantity of teachers in our universities because there is currently an estimated shortfall of about 40 percent in the number of teachers in schools.

    “We also need to rejuvenate the university ranking system and redouble the ICT resourcing of the system alongside strengthening the capacity of teaching in ICT literacy.”

    NAN reports that the 11-year-old university graduated 231,148 from College of Social Sciences and 81 from the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

    Crawford University also has 21 first class with eight from the College of Social Sciences and 13 from the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.