A team from the National Universities Commission (NUC), led by Professor Patricia Taiwo and Mrs. Rita Joseph, recently conducted an accreditation exercise to assess Covenant University’s Masters in Strategic Leadership Programme. The visit, aimed at verifying the University’s human and material resources, marks a significant step in ensuring the program aligns with the NUC's standards.
During the visit, Professor Taiwo expressed her satisfaction with Covenant University’s commitment to developing a new generation of leaders, in line with her motto. She outlined the team's objectives, stating that they aimed to evaluate the university’s current resources, progress, and plans for the program. “We are here to see how far you have come and what improvements can be made to help you achieve your goals,” she said.
Covenant University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adebayo, welcomed the team warmly, noting the long-anticipated nature of their visit. He emphasized that leadership is at the heart of the University’s mission and expressed confidence in the NUC team's capacity to provide valuable feedback. “What you will see today reflects our commitment as a university,” he stated, highlighting the presence of a dedicated Leadership Centre and the involvement of departmental heads.
At the exit meeting, Professor Taiwo praised the welcoming environment, and the impressive calmness of the campus. She commended the University for its staff composition and noted the high quality of physical structures. However, she recommended improvements in internet access at the e-Library and encouraged the inclusion of local materials, such as publications by the University’s Chancellor, in the curriculum.
The team also discussed potential collaborations with other institutions, including the University of Ibadan, to enhance the program further. Professor Taiwo acknowledged the University's achievements while stressing the importance of continuous improvement. Feedback from other members of the NUC team was overwhelmingly positive.
In his response at the meeting, the Director, African Leadership Development Centre, of the University, Professor Lanre Amodu, thanked the NUC team for their meticulous assessment and constructive feedback, stating that their observations would be instrumental in guiding future improvements within the University. He emphasized the value of their insights and expressed gratitude for the thorough evaluation.
Dr. Jonathan Adedayo Odukoya, Acting Dean of the College of Leadership and Development Studies, acknowledged the professionalism of the NUC team and appreciated the lessons learned from their feedback. He emphasized that while Covenant University has achieved notable success, it remains a work in progress, and he looks forward to implementing suggestions for further development.
Professor Emmanuel Olaguju Amoo, Director of the Academic Planning Unit, thanked the NUC team for their thorough and professional assessment, commending their practical approach to the accreditation process. He recognized the importance of the feedback provided and its potential impact on the University's future direction.
Dr. Felix Chidozie, Acting Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, noting that the visit provided a clear pathway for necessary improvements.
Dr. Sam Audu, Director of Financial Services, expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting the positive nature of the NUC team’s evaluation. He looked forward to future visits and the opportunity for further collaboration.
Mrs. Regina Tobi-David, Registrar, thanked the NUC team for their efficient visit and comprehensive feedback. She expressed her appreciation for the constructive observations made and promised that the university would take them seriously.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olujide Adekeye, thanked the NUC representatives for their thorough assessment, reiterating the University’s focus on leadership as its niche. He emphasized the commitment to ongoing improvement and the importance of incorporating the feedback received into future strategies.
Overall, the officials collectively recognized the importance of the NUC's visit and expressed a commitment to using the feedback to enhance the University’s programs and facilities.
In closing, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Adebayo, reiterated Covenant University’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Excellence is a journey, not a destination.” He assured the NUC team that their recommendations would be taken seriously as the University strives for continuous improvement.
The visit concluded with a promise of enhanced collaboration and a commitment to addressing the areas identified for growth, reinforcing Covenant University’s position as a leading institution for developing strategic leaders.