The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, to establish a study centre and formalise an academic affiliation between the two institutions.
The agreement was signed at the office of FUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, with management teams from both institutions in attendance.
Ibileye said the partnership aligns with the university’s vision of extending its academic programmes to institutions within its catchment area.
The agreement followed an initiative by the College’s Provost, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, who approached the Vice-Chancellor about a mutually beneficial partnership approximately eight months ago, shortly after Ibileye assumed office.
Under the MoU, the study centre will offer undergraduate programmes in Mass Communication, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, Business Education, Statistics, Mathematics and Physics. Additional programmes may be introduced in the future.
Speaking during an interview, Ibileye said the university was committed to supporting initiatives that would improve teaching and learning. He commended Fashagba for his dedication to the partnership, stressing that all academic programmes must comply with established procedures and standards.
He noted that partnering with a neighbouring university would reduce logistical difficulties and costs associated with travelling long distances to access academic services.
“Issues of logistics and requests will be handled without officials having to travel long distances,” he said.
Ibileye added that the university’s quality assurance mechanisms would apply to all programmes operated under the partnership.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hellen Aderibigbe, also commended the initiative, describing the agreement as a positive step towards strengthening teaching and learning.
In his remarks, Fashagba described the signing of the MoU as a dream come true for the College, expressing appreciation to FUL for accepting the institution as a partner.
He explained that the agreement covers both academic affiliation and the establishment of a study centre, which would provide access to selected degree programmes, including opportunities for the conversion of diplomas and other qualifications.
According to him, the university conducted an assessment of the College before approving the partnership.
“We looked at the various areas where we can have relationships and put them on paper,” Fashagba said.
He added that the arrangement would enable the College to operate a study centre under FUL’s supervision, assuring stakeholders that the institution would meet the expectations and standards required under the partnership.
