The National Universities Commission (NUC) has commenced a crucial resource verification exercise at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), signalling a major step towards the university’s plan to introduce postgraduate programmes.
The verification exercise is aimed at assessing the institution’s readiness in terms of human and material resources before approval is granted for the proposed 30 programmes.
A representative of the commission, Mercy Nwoke, said the team, made up of officials and professors, was deployed to evaluate whether the university meets the required standards to run postgraduate studies.
She explained that the process is a mandatory step to ensure that universities possess adequate facilities, qualified personnel, and appropriate academic structures before commencing such programmes.
Welcoming the team, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Omojola, described the exercise as a significant milestone in the institution’s academic development, particularly in its quest to establish a College of Postgraduate Studies.
According to him, the university has made the necessary preparations, including the provision of qualified lecturers, relevant curricula, and infrastructure to support effective teaching and research.
Omojola said the verification exercise marks a major step towards the establishment of the College of Postgraduate Studies and the expansion of academic offerings in the institution.
He commended the NUC team for its commitment to maintaining quality standards in Nigerian universities, noting that their presence reflects the commission’s dedication to strengthening higher education in the country.
The VC described the creation of the College of Postgraduate Studies as a significant milestone in the university’s development, adding that it aligns with efforts to promote advanced research and produce highly skilled graduates.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Joel Adekunle Adegun, disclosed that about 30 postgraduate programmes are currently under consideration, adding that successful verification would pave the way for official approval and subsequent admission of students.
