FUL, Kogi College of Education Ankpa Partner to Establish Study Centre
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has entered into a partnership with the Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a study centre and strengthen academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The agreement is expected to expand access to university programmes within the state, improve academic cooperation and provide a framework for the delivery of selected programmes under the supervision of the Federal University Lokoja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Professor Gbenga Ibileye, said the partnership aligned with the university’s vision of extending its academic programmes to institutions within its catchment area.
Ibileye explained that working with an institution located close to the university would reduce the logistical difficulties and costs often associated with partnerships involving institutions situated far apart.
He noted that the proximity of the Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, to the university would make administrative coordination and the handling of official requests easier for both institutions.
The Vice Chancellor also assured that the university’s academic standards and quality assurance procedures would apply to programmes operated under the partnership.
A Boost for Teaching and Learning
The Kogi State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Helen Aderibigbe, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive development for teaching and learning.
She commended the visions of the Vice Chancellor and the Provost of the College, expressing support for the collaboration between the two institutions.
The partnership is expected to create opportunities for closer academic engagement while strengthening the capacity of the College to provide programmes through an arrangement supervised by the university.
Provost Describes Partnership as a Dream Come True
Earlier, the Provost of the Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, described the signing of the MoU as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration.
He explained that the agreement covered affiliation and the establishment of a study centre, through which eligible diploma holders and candidates with other recognised qualifications could pursue conversion opportunities leading to degrees, subject to the agreed academic arrangements.
According to him, the university assessed the College and found it suitable for the proposed collaboration. Both institutions subsequently identified areas of mutual interest and formalised their understanding through the agreement.
Fashagba recalled that shortly after Professor Ibileye assumed office as Vice Chancellor, the College reached out to the university to explore a partnership that would benefit both institutions.
He said the discussions had progressed over the past eight months, culminating in the meeting of the management teams of both institutions at the Vice Chancellor’s office for the formal signing of the agreement.
The Provost added that the MoU would allow the College to operate a study centre under the supervision of the Federal University Lokoja.
He assured the university that the College would meet the expectations and responsibilities arising from the partnership.
The agreement marks a step towards strengthening institutional collaboration in Kogi State, with both institutions expected to work together within the framework established by the MoU.