Chinedu Okafor
The Radiography and Radiation Sciences Department at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is set to achieve full accreditation, following positive remarks from the Radiography Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) team during a recent exit meeting.
Team leader, Prof. Valentine C. Ikamase, commended the department’s growth and its readiness to meet the accreditation standards, despite highlighting minor areas for potential improvement.
Speaking at the meeting, held at the Vice Chancellor’s conference room, Prof. Ikamase expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the university’s management since the delegation’s arrival.
He lauded the department’s achievements and its capacity to meet the academic and professional standards required for full accreditation.
“The academic content within the Radiography and Radiation Sciences program is adequate,” Prof. Ikamase stated, “However, more academic staff are needed to strengthen the department’s capacity, particularly to improve the quality of its output.”
Prof. Ikamase also emphasized the importance of aligning teaching and examination processes with accepted standards. He suggested that marking schemes should explicitly define correct answers to questions, rather than merely pointing out what students are expected to do.
He commended the department for maintaining the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) required staff-to-student ratio of 1:15, indicating that the general administration of the faculty was well-coordinated. However, he stressed the need for greater attention to student compliance with faculty requirements, especially in terms of ensuring that student registrations are well documented and organized.
The RRBN team leader also called for a stronger focus on ensuring that academic staff are qualified and equipped to impart essential skills to students.
He advised that students be assigned academic advisors to guide them throughout their academic journey, ensuring that they acquire both the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for success in the profession.
Responding to the submissions, FUOYE’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, expressed his commitment to addressing any areas of inconsistency in the Radiography and Radiation Sciences program. “We are ready to streamline any issues that arise, and we are committed to ensuring the department meets all accreditation standards,” he assured.
On the topic of staffing, Prof. Ogunwole acknowledged the current scarcity of radiography professionals in Nigeria, attributing the shortage to the tendency of qualified individuals to seek better financial rewards abroad.
Nevertheless, he reassured that the university is open to collaborating with experienced professionals in the field, noting that FUOYE is even prepared to pay for their services through its internally generated revenue.
“We understand the scarcity in this field, and we are committed to collaborating with professionals who can impart knowledge to our students. It is crucial that our graduates are well-versed in the intricacies of the profession, especially when dealing with radiation,”
Prof. Ogunwole emphasized.
He further echoed Prof. Ikamase’s concerns regarding the staff-to-student ratio, promising that the university would continue to ensure the necessary requirements are met to cater to students’ needs effectively.
The Vice Chancellor also reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to maintaining high academic standards. “We are taking a demonstrative approach to ensure the full accreditation of the Radiography and Radiation Sciences program. If needed, we will seek guidance to ensure we adhere to the best practices and meet the required standards,” he added.
The meeting concluded with both the RRBN team and the university management reaffirming their commitment to the continued growth of the department, with a shared goal of achieving full accreditation and fostering excellence in radiography department.
Other officials in attendance included; Director, Directorate of Academic Planning, Prof. Babatunde Omotoso, Deputy Director, Mr. J.J Aborisade, Provost College of Medicine, Prof.Adeeyo, Director, IPTS, Prof. Wakih A. Tijani, Chief Planning Officers DAP; Mr. Barnabas Nwokeke, Mr. Ademola Mutiu, Faculty Officer, FBMS, Mr. Femi Akinropo.
