VC inaugurates committee to develop innovative student certification programmes
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has said that his Administration is committed to equipping students of the institution with additional certifications alongside their primary courses of study.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (August 19, 2024) while inaugurating the Technical Committee on Developing and Implementing Innovative Entrepreneurship Certification in his office.
The Vice Chancellor explained the importance of providing value-added opportunities for students, noting that the University must continually find ways to integrate students into the Nigerian system in a meaningful way.
He expressed confidence in the members of the Technical Committee, describing them as “serious-minded people” capable of delivering on the task. He also identified the importance of ensuring that the initiative is accessible to all students, particularly by removing associated costs.
The Vice Chancellor added that once the committee finalises the template for the certification, it would be shared with the student leadership, Faculties, and the University Senate for final approval. He also disclosed that the initiative would draw inspiration from the Blue Economy Initiative, which aims to maximise students’ time in ways that add value to their lives.
Prof. Egbewole, also, urged the Committee to collaborate with the Blue Economy, the Centre for Management Leadership, and the Innovation Hub, in order to synergise their efforts for the overall betterment of the University system.
In a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh, said that the Technical Committee is the child of the Committee on Developing and Implementing Innovative Entrepreneurship Certification, adding that it will create a robust certification programme that will span various essential areas, including Information Technology (IT), digital skills, innovation ideation, and more.
Prof. Jimoh, who is a scholar of Computer Science, and Director of the Computer Services and Information Technology Centre (COMSIT), said the entrepreneurship certification will be an added advantage for students, because it will enable them to graduate with both a degree from the University of Ilorin and a specialised certification in entrepreneurship.
He observed that the dual qualification is expected to enhance the students’ employability and entrepreneurial capabilities and make them more competitive in the job market.
Prof. Jimoh emphasised that students will need to accumulate certain points across various modules to earn the certification, adding that the approach will ensure that they gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in key areas of entrepreneurship.
Other members of the Main Committee are Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem, Dr Abdulkarim Ayopo Oloyede, and Mrs Azeezat Quadri-Ibrahim.
The Technical Committee on Developing and Implementing Innovative Entrepreneurship Certification is chaired by Prof. Foluke Sola-Ojo of the Department of Animal Production while Mr Surajudeen Babamale of Unilorin Consultancy Services serves as the Secretary. Other members are Prof. Christiana O. Abikoye of the Department of Computer Science, Dr Halimah Babamale of the Department of Chemistry, Dr Adeola A. Odebode of the Department of Counsellor Education, Dr Taibat B. Jimoh of the Department of Educational Management, Dr P. Adebayo of the Department of Computer Science, Dr Aderinola Dunmade of COMSIT, and Mr A. Yusuf of the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre (TEC).