The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given the management of the University of Ilorin the go-ahead for its newly established Primary Education programme, having satisfied all necessary conditions needed for the successful take-off of the course.

The NUC's nod came through its accreditation team that visited the University last Monday (December 14, 2015). Presenting her report at the end of the team's visit last Tuesday (December 15, 2015), the leader of the accreditation team, Prof. Julie Ibiam, commended the management of the University of Ilorin for putting in place all necessary requirements for the new programme.

The accreditation team leader, who is a Professor of Childhood Education, Department of Primary Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, explained that the team visited the Department of Primary Education, the University Library, laboratories and other related places on campus, saying that what they found on ground had shown clearly that the University was indeed ready for the course.

Prof. Ibiam disclosed that the team had examined the academic content, curriculum, physical structure of the Department, the admission modality, the laboratory and library facilities, among others. She advised the authority of the University to intensify efforts on things that would further give the Department a face-lift so as to be rated as one of the best in the country.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), thanked the NUC team for painstakingly screening the Department without fear or favour.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented on the occasion by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji, explained that the University of Ilorin is very conscious of standard when it comes to research, teaching and community service.

Prof. Olatunji described Primary Education as the foundation that must be given a proper attention and recognition to ensure that everything built on it stands on a good footing.

He then pledged that the University would do everything possible to ensure that the institution sustains its leading role in terms of academic integrity. Earlier on Monday, the accreditation team was welcomed to the University by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI) on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali.

The leader of the team, Prof. Ibiam, said the team was in the University of Ilorin to perform a national assignment given to them by the National Universities Commission as regards the accreditation of Primary Education, a new programme in the institution. She explained that the NUC representatives were not in the University to witch-hunt the authority of the institution but to look at what is on ground in the new Department.

Prof. Ibiam, therefore, sought the cooperation and assistance of the University authority by providing the team with necessary information and enabling environment needed to carry out the exercise effectively and efficiently.

In his response, Prof. Olatunji urged members of the accreditation team to feel free to conduct their exercise, pledging that the authority of the University would provide them with necessary materials, documents and necessary information they needed for the job.