The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) has commended the University of Ilorin for establishing the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences.

The commendation was made last Wednesday (February 24, 2016) by the leader of the Board's Resource Verification Team to the University, Prof. Frank Iwuagwu, while briefing the University management.

Prof. Iwuagwu said, "It is commendable that within the short time of starting the Optometry programme, you have housed the Department in its permanent structure". The Resource Verification Team leader pointed out that "the verification visit is not to destroy the department but to help build and redirect it". Prof. Iwuagwu noted that the admission of students to the programme is in line with the Board's requirements while describing the environmental sanitation in the Department as adequate.

He called for adequate equipment of the new Department, saying that it would generate income for the University when it is fully equipped. Prof. Iwaugwu, however, identified few areas that need to be looked into to make the Department meet all expected standards.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), stated that the University is lucky to have the programme and commended the Head of the Department, Prof. M. O. Oriowo, for his enthusiasm.

Speaking through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) N. Y. S. Ijaiya, the Vice-Chancellor said that the University is open to constructive criticism, stressing that the problems noted in the Department are teething problems that would soon be overcome.

He disclosed that necessary equipment for the Department have been purchased and are awaiting clearance at the sea port. Prof. Ambali thanked the Resource Verification Team for what he described as its "painstaking assessment and effort".

Other members of the Resource Verification team were the Registrar of ODORBN, Prof. (Mrs.) Ebele Ihodike; and Prof. (Mrs.) Okechi U. Amaechi. The Vice-Chancellor was joined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi; the University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi; the Deputy Bursar, Mr. I. O. Ogunbiyi; the Dean of Life Sciences, Prof. Alhassan Sani; and the Principal Assistant Registrar, Vice-Chancellor's Office; Mr. A. Sayuti.