Date: 2016-04-05

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has pledged the University's commitment to develop and equip its Department of Biomedical Engineering such that it will command international respect. Prof. Ambali, stated this last Thursday (March 30, 2016) while receiving the report of the Resource Verification Team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He noted that Biomedical Engineering is the future of medical science.

"We need all the support because we are just starting", the Vice-Chancellor said, adding that "we will give the Department all the support it needs" Speaking on the provision of books to the Department, Prof. Ambali noted that e-learning is what is in vogue now, and as such the University is investing in e-library to provide the best and up-to-date academic resources for the students.

While receiving the two-man team earlier before the commencement of the verification exercise, the Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji, pointed out that resource verification is an opportunity to cross-fertilise ideas. He stated that the University of Ilorin is pushing the frontiers of tertiary education in Nigeria despite the challenges by ensuring the continuity of standard.

He disclosed that the University has been eager to start the course long ago before its eventual commencement four years ago, submitting that medicine would be anchored on engineering as it is already being done. The Vice-Chancellor told members of the team, Thank you for encouraging us. You have come to fire us on. We are contributing in our own little way to the advancement of knowledge in the country and we want people to come and see how we do it just as we also go out to learn best practices".

He reminded the NUC verification team that the Faculty of Engineering was some time ago adjudged to be the best in Africa. The NUC resource verification team leader, Prof. Goddy Chuba Okoye, expressed his delight to be visiting the university of choice, explaining that the resource verification is a national assignment for the continuous growth of tertiary education in Nigeria.

Prof. Okoye, who was with Mrs. Clara Abu on the team, also acknowledged the fact that Biomedical Engineering is the future of medicine, noting that "there is nothing done in medicine that will not reflect engineering". He commended the University for commencing the course as he pointed out few areas where the University needs to make adjustments. "On the whole, I want to commend the effort of the management of the University of Ilorin and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. You have done well for a start", Prof. Okoye concluded.

The Vice-Chancellor was joined at the courtesy visit by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. N. Y. S. Ijaiya; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi; the University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi; the Deputy Bursar, Mr. O. Dere; the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun; the Principal Assistant Registrars in the Vice-Chancellor's Office, Mr. A. Sayuti and Mr. K. K. Babamale, as well as the Protocol Officer to the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. S. O. Agboola.

Other University officials present at the courtesy visit and report presentation included the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Y. A. Jimoh; the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. O. A. Omotesho; Prof. H. D. Olusegun; the Ag. Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dr. K. A. Akande; and the Ag. Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, Dr. J. F. Opadiji.