The management of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, has assured students from the Faculty of Management facing delays in their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization that their issues will soon be resolved. OhhThis reassurance comes amidst growing concerns among graduates about their future prospects and participation in the mandatory national service program.
Accreditation Challenges
In a recent statement, the college’s Public Relations Officer, Olawore Opeyemi, conveyed the explanations provided by the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi. He explained that the delays were due to previous accreditation issues that prevented the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) from visiting the institution for program accreditation in a timely manner. The delay, according to Akinlabi, was a significant hurdle that the current management inherited from the past administration. However, he assured that substantial progress has been made under his leadership.
Under Akinlabi’s new management, significant efforts have been invested in securing the necessary accreditations for the institution’s programs. Recently, the NBTE granted accreditation for Higher National Diploma programs in the Faculty of Management. This milestone is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the college’s management to resolve the accreditation issues that have plagued the institution.
Assurances from the Management
The college’s management has been proactive in addressing the concerns of the affected students. Prof. Akinlabi emphasized that since 2014, the students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology have enjoyed timely mobilization for the NYSC scheme. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining this tradition of prompt mobilization. The rector appealed to the affected students to remain patient, assuring them that the ongoing efforts will soon yield positive results.
Prof. Akinlabi highlighted that the management is fully aware of the importance of the NYSC mobilization to the students’ careers and futures. He reassured them that every possible measure is being taken to expedite the process. The management’s dedication to resolving these issues is evident in their continuous engagement with the NBTE and other relevant bodies to ensure all accreditation shortcomings are addressed promptly.
Recent Accreditation Efforts
Significant progress has been made in recent months. Between June 3 and 5, 2024, the NBTE conducted a comprehensive resource inspection of 13 programs and institutional accreditation at the college. This visit was crucial for assessing the institution’s readiness and compliance with the required standards. Prof. Akinlabi promised to keep all stakeholders updated on the progress and outcomes of these accreditation efforts.
The rector also highlighted the broader implications of these accreditations for the institution. Securing prompt and full accreditation is not just about meeting regulatory requirements but also about enhancing the overall quality of education provided by the college. This, in turn, improves the employability and future prospects of the graduates, thereby contributing positively to the community and the nation at large.
Commitment to Quality Education
The commitment to ensuring prompt accreditation of the institution’s programs is a testament to the management’s dedication to providing quality education. Moreover, Prof. Akinlabi assured that the institution will continue to strive for excellence in all its academic and administrative endeavors. In addition, he emphasized that the college’s goal is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their respective fields.
Also, the management’s proactive approach and open communication with students and stakeholders have been crucial in managing the situation. Furthermore, Prof. Akinlabi expressed his gratitude for the patience and understanding shown by the students and assured them that the management is working tirelessly to resolve all outstanding issues.
Source: Punch
