The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday, August 17, 2026, welcomed a two-person Resource Verification Panel from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to assess the University’s readiness to commence a new Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programme in Development Studies, domiciled in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences.
Giving the welcome address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi Lesi, described the visit as a reflection of the University’s commitment to upholding academic standards and ensuring institutional preparedness.
Professor Lesi noted that UNILAG welcomes rigorous external assessment as an opportunity not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to reaffirm the high standards that have long distinguished the University as one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions of learning.
The Director, Academic Planning, Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, formally presented the NUC resource persons to University Management. The panel was led by Professor Kalu Ebi Uma of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), alongside Mr Udoh Nnah of the Commission.
University Management was represented at the reception by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Matthew Olusoji Ilori; the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Adelaja Odukoya; the Head, Department of Economics, Professor Isaac Nwaogwugwu; and senior members of the department’s academic staff, including Professor Simeon Akinleye, Dr Anthonia Odeleye, Dr Oluwaseyi Popogbe, Dr Adesina Kehinde, and Dr Adeyemo Oynidamola.
Professor Lesi reiterated the University’s preparedness to commence the new programme, noting that the Department of Economics, in collaboration with the Directorate of Academic Planning, had worked meticulously to ensure alignment with the National Universities Commission’s Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards.
He added that the curriculum had been designed to ensure that no less than 30 per cent of its content aligns with industry practice and the nation’s developmental priorities. This, he explained, would equip graduates with the competencies required to respond effectively to professional demands and national development needs, further consolidating UNILAG’s position as a leading centre for policy-driven and development-focused education in Nigeria and beyond.
The NUC resource persons commended the University for its organisation and level of preparation, describing the engagement as a reflection of the collaborative spirit underpinning the Commission’s resource verification process.
Following the courtesy reception, the panel embarked on a comprehensive tour of departmental facilities, including staff offices, lecture halls, and library resources, before reconvening with University Management for a formal exit meeting.
Speaking at the session, Mr Udoh Nnah expressed satisfaction with the University’s overall state of preparedness. He noted that only a minor observation had been made concerning ancillary facilities in a small number of senior staff offices, which he recommended should be addressed ahead of accreditation.
Aside from this observation, Mr Nnah affirmed the panel’s satisfaction with the assessment and commended the University for the opportunity to participate in the exercise.
Responding on behalf of University Management, Professor Ilori thanked the panel for its candour, describing the feedback as valuable. He assured the team that Management would continue to ensure that offices across the University are maintained to appropriate standards and that staff at all levels have access to quality working environments.
He explained that, while prioritising core infrastructure required for effective academic delivery, Management remains guided by considerations that support both learning outcomes and staff wellbeing. He stressed that the comfort and welfare of the University’s teaching staff remain matters of genuine institutional concern.
The exit meeting ended on a note of mutual confidence, with the NUC panel expressing optimism that the verification exercise would pave the way for the successful accreditation and take-off of the new B.Sc. Development Studies programme.
Report: Lynda E. Onah
Photographs: Micheal Joshua/ Islamiat Oyebamire-Akanni
