FUL, Kogi College Of Education Sign MoU To Establish Study Centre

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, for the establishment of a study centre and academic affiliation.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, said the partnership aligned with the university’s vision of extending its programmes to institutions within its catchment area.

Ibileye explained that shortly after he assumed office, the Provost of the College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, approached him with a proposal for a mutually beneficial partnership.

He said eight months after the initial engagement, the management of both institutions had formalised the agreement to establish a study centre and pursue academic affiliation.

The vice-chancellor said the university was committed to opening its doors to programmes that would improve teaching and learning.

He commended Fashagba for his commitment to the partnership, stressing that all academic programmes operated under the arrangement would be subject to the university’s established procedures and quality assurance standards.

Ibileye said the partnership would also reduce the logistical challenges and costs associated with working with universities located far from the college.

“Instead of entering into partnership with a university that is so far away, with the attendant logistical issues and costs, the Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, is entering into a partnership with a university that is just next door to it,” he said.

He added that logistical issues and requests could be handled more easily without officials having to travel long distances.

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hellen Aderibigbe, commended the vision of the vice-chancellor and the provost, saying the agreement would enhance teaching and learning.

Earlier, Fashagba described the agreement as a dream come true for the college, expressing appreciation to FUL for considering the institution worthy of the partnership.

He said the arrangement covered academic affiliation and the establishment of a study centre through which the college could offer selected degree programmes, including conversion opportunities for holders of diplomas and other qualifications.

“The partnership is in the area of affiliation and study centre, where some degrees will be granted to us for conversion of diploma and some other qualifications. After duly assessing us, the university found us worthy,” he said.

Fashagba explained that both institutions had examined areas of potential collaboration before documenting their understanding in the MoU.

He added that the agreement would enable the college to operate a study centre under the supervision of the university.

The provost expressed satisfaction with the development and assured FUL that the college would live up to expectations in implementing the agreement.