The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), for his commitment to building a viable Faculty of Engineering and Technology that would support the nation's quest for development.

The commendation was made last Monday (February 8, 2016) by the leader of a COREN accreditation team to the University, Engr. Bukola Adisa.

The three Engineering programmes slated for accreditation are Computer Engineering, Food and Bioprocess Engineering and Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.

The COREN accreditation team leader said, "We are aware that you have taken Engineering as priority and next to your heart. Kindly keep this up because with a well-developed Engineering Faculty, the pride of this institution will reach its pinnacle and our nation has everything to gain from it".

Engr. Adisa, who noted that Engineering is the true asset for development, said that accreditation of engineering programmes is a major mandate of the COREN in accordance with the Act setting up the Council. Engr. Adisa clarified that accreditation by the COREN is for partnership and growth, stressing that "it is not for witch-hunting as it is aimed at building not destroying".

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the accreditation team for the encomiums showered on the University, asserting that the Faculty of Engineering is one of the pride of the University contributing to the economy of the nation through quality personnel.

Prof. Ambali stated that the COREN is a partner of the University, adding that the University has good partners such as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, which invested heavily in the construction of an Engineering laboratory and supply of equipment. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University encourages its Engineering students to be practical by helping in their placement for industrial training.

Members of the COREN accreditation team were Engr. Bala Abdulkadir, Engr. Prof. I. I. Eneh, Engr. Prof. J. O. Akinyemi, Engr. Prof. S. O. Jekayinfa, Mrs. D. S. Asa, Mr. Abdullahi M. Jega and Mr. Mohammed A. Hadizat. The Vice-Chancellor was joined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) N. Y. S. Ijaiya; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi; the University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi; and the Principal Assistant Registrar in the Vice-Chancellor's Office, Mr. A. Sayuti.

Other University officials present during the visit included the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. A. Omotesho; the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Y. A. Jimoh; a former Dean of Engineering, Prof. J. A. Olorunmaiye; the Director, Physical Planning Unit, Engr. Ademola Adesiyun; and the Director, Works, Engr. M. S. Sanni; as well as some lecturers from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.