The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oyelana Olatunji in his address to the staff and students of the University during the closing ceremony of the Social and Management Scientists Forum which was held at the University campus from Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th broke the news of the NUC final approval for the immediate commencement of part-time academic programmes in the University. This was a sequel to the request earlier submitted to the regulatory body at the beginning of the year. The need to fully implement the mandate as contained in the Academic Brief, and with the increase in demands by concerned individuals, interested groups and the general public made the inclusion of this part-time mode in our educational programme inevitable, according to the Vice-Chancellor. The listed academic programmes will run within the part-time stream: B. Sc Accounting, B. Sc Economics, B. Sc Business Administration, B. Sc Psychology and B. A English.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the urgent need to extend the opportunity for university education to millions of Nigerians who are presently on a form of livelihood. This is hoped to equip the beneficiaries with appropriate knowledge and skills set essential in their respective chosen career without having to leave their jobs. The Vice-Chancellor seized the opportunity to commend the Chancellor, Chief Christopher Ikechi Ezeh MFR who at a number of fora expressed his desire to extend opportunity for University education to the teaming youth, and young men and women who may have to work to support their education, and whose O’ level certificates may have passed the acceptable grace period to secure admission into universities through UTME and JAMB.
The Vice-Chancellor attributed the success of this endeavour to the collective will and commitment of staff who worked relentlessly to ensure the readiness of the programme curricular and course outlines and the policy framework which were essential for the successful implementation of the programmes. According to the Vice-Chancellor, each of the part-time programmes will be for a 6-year duration. The curriculum is spread across twelve (12) academic semesters with special online facilities to enhance special modes of teaching and learning. The Director, Academic Planning Directorate and the respective Heads of Departments where the programmes are domiciled have been requested to submit a working document for the successful take-off of the programmes by October this year.
The Vice-Chancellor enjoined all members of the University community, including staff and students to spread the good news to family members and friends and members of the public by sharing the information on their personal and group social media handles. The University Management on its part has concluded an arrangement to partner with scores of government agencies and business organizations within and outside of Lagos on the need to commit adequate resources to enable their staffs to take advantage of the opportunity the programme offers.
The Registrar in his remark appreciated the Chancellor, Chief Christopher Ikechi Ezeh and all those that contributed to making the vision a reality. He further advised that all hands must be on deck so as to continue in the same spirit of togetherness and hard work in order to jointly move the University to its expected destination of academic excellence.
