ACENTDFB organizes sensitization on international accreditation, career development
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria today (Wednesday, 16th October, 2024) organised a one day university-wide sensitization workshop on international accreditation and career development held at the University Assembly Hall, Main Campus.
Speaking, the Centre Leader, Prof. Y.K.E Ibrahim, said the Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) is the first world bank project aimed at capacity building of higher education institutions in Africa.
The Center Leader represented by the Deputy Centre Leader, Prof. Mohammed Musa, highlighted that having a centre of excellence is a great feat characterized by institutional identity, ability to build and sustain internationally reputable scientists and technology innovators, and an identifiable governance structure.
He explained that part of the aims of the centre is to strengthen the capacities of universities to deliver high quality training and applied research and meet the demand for skills required for Africa’s development.
In a welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kabiru Bala, said research and innovation is a significant business in any academic world.
The Vice-Chancellor represented by the Director, Research and Innovation, Prof Joy Joshua Maina, emphasized the relevance of research and innovation not only to improve university ranking but also to attract international collaboration and grants.
In a paper presentation, titled “Institutional International Accreditation Process”, the Director, Directorate of Academic Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Bello Mukhtar, said accreditation is an external quality assurance mechanism aimed at promoting global best practice and enhancing institutional reputation.
Prof Muktar noted that Ahmadu Bello University has successfully gone through two out of five stages to obtain the institutional international accreditation status.
Prof Salihu Aliyu of the Department of Biochemistry focused on “programme international accreditation” where he explained that program accreditation which is characterized by staffing, programme resources and curricula design and content.
Programme accreditation also explores outcomes such as graduate abilities and employability.
He also said that status accreditation helps for attracting more number of students, exchange programs, memorandum of understanding, joint collaborations for research and workshops nationally and internationally.
Prof Emmanuel O Balogun, spoke on “career development and mentorship” where he enumerated the benefits of being a mentee to include networking opportunities, problem solving, potential for promotion, knowledge transfer as well as learning workplace culture.
The event was attended by directors, deans, heads of departments, PG coordinators and other invited guests.
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Public Affairs Directorate
Office of the vice chancellor
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. (NAM/SBG)
Wednesday 16th October 2024.
