By Ammar M. Rajab The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) is intensifying efforts to introduce degree ...
By Ammar M. Rajab
The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) is intensifying efforts to introduce degree programs through academic affiliations with top Nigerian universities, as part of its broader vision to enhance educational offerings beyond its traditional leather and science-based training.
The Director-General/CEO of NILEST, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, on separate occasions hosted high-level delegations from Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Federal University Dutse (FUD) for resource and prima facie verification visits, both crucial steps toward securing approval for mounting degree programs.
During the visit by BUK’s delegation, Dr. Imam commended the university’s leadership for honouring NILEST’s request and emphasized the strategic value of the collaboration.
“This partnership is vital to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, and I deeply appreciate BUK’s support,” Dr. Imam said, according to a statement from the DG’s Media Office on August 5.
He highlighted NILEST’s distinction as Nigeria’s sole institution dedicated to leather research and innovation, and its expanding vision. The DG noted recent institutional upgrades, such as a contracted e-library and the deployment of uninterrupted campus Wi-Fi, aimed at modernizing the learning environment.
Dr. Imam also revealed plans to invite visiting lecturers from partner institutions like BUK to supplement NILEST's faculty capacity.
Leading the BUK team, Professor Salihu Lawal confirmed the purpose of the visit was to verify the adequacy of infrastructure and academic preparedness for proposed programs in Chemistry and Environmental Management.
In a related development on August 6, NILEST welcomed a four-member delegation from Federal University Dutse for a prima facie verification of its proposed B.Sc. in Biotechnology program.
While addressing the team, Dr. Imam reiterated that NILEST’s mandate, as established by law, extends beyond leather science and provides the foundation for academic diversification.
“That is why we are expanding to accommodate other courses in addition to what we currently offer,” he explained. “Collaborations with reputable institutions like FUD are the way forward.”
According to Dr. Sanusi Ibrahim Chinade, FUD’s Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, the visit focused on assessing minimum requirements as stipulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for program approval.
“We commend Dr. Imam for this forward-thinking initiative. FUD looks forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with NILEST,” Dr. Chinade said.
The engagements with both BUK and FUD are part of a broader strategy driven by consultations with regulatory bodies such as NUC, JAMB, and NBTE, to ensure compliance and academic excellence.
Nuhu Basheer Masa, Personal Assistant on Media and Communication to the DG NILEST, confirmed the visit in an official release dated August 6, stating that the initiative reflects NILEST’s commitment to academic innovation, diversification, and national development.
No comments