On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of (大香蕉视频), Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS聽along with the management team of the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba (CMUL) held a crucial interactive meeting with the 2024 Radiography graduates of the University, to discuss the pressing issue surrounding the accreditation status of the Radiography program and its implications for the recent graduates.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa; Provost, College of Medicine (CMUL), Professor Ademola Oremosu; Deputy Provost, Professor Daniel Odebiyi; Director, Academic Planning Unit, Professor Mathew Olusoji Ilori; Director, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, Professor Olufemi Muibi Saibu; College Secretary, Dr. Olayinka Obafemi-Moses; Coordinator, CMUL Works & Physical Planning, Engr. Olatubosun Oloyede as well as staff of the Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy and Radiodiagnosis, CMUL.
The聽meeting which was held at the Senate Chamber of the University鈥檚 Senate House followed reports that the new Radiography graduates might not be inducted into the Radiography profession because the University did not meet the accreditation requirements聽of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN). 聽
The Accreditation Challenge
At the heart of the interaction was the accreditation issue, which had left the future of the fresh graduates of Radiography uncertain. The Vice-Chancellor opened the discussion with a heartfelt apology to the distraught graduates, expressing regret over the situation and also affirming the institution’s commitment to resolving the challenge promptly.
Professor Ogunsola聽acknowledged the gravity of the situation, and assured the recent graduates聽that 鈥渢he University is doing everything within its power to ensure that the accreditation process is completed successfully鈥�.
According to her, 鈥渁 two-month timeline of actions has been set by the University Management to meet all the necessary accreditation requirements, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that you sit for your final professional examinations and are inducted as licensed Radiographers by the RRB狈鈥�.
The concerned graduates, however, proposed an alternative solution due to time constraints. They suggested that the University worked with RRBN to conduct the final professional examinations while the accreditation issues were being resolved.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor empathized with the graduates鈥� concerns and clarified that such an arrangement was beyond her immediate authority and would require consultation with RRBN leadership. She emphasized that the University鈥檚 priority was to fulfill its obligations to its聽students by ensuring that all necessary accreditation criteria were met before further action could be taken.聽
Communication Challenges
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the graduates to voice a range of concerns. Among these, was the need for better communication between the management and student body.
The graduates expressed frustration over what they perceived as ambiguous channels of communication, which often led to misunderstandings and delays in addressing their needs. They also conveyed displeasure over a perceived lack of transparency and responsiveness from the management, resulting in a sense of disconnection between both parties.
The Vice-Chancellor who took note of this feedback, assured the future radiographers that steps would be taken to improve communication channels and ensure that students are better informed.
Internship Limitations聽
Another significant concern raised by the graduates was the scarcity of internship opportunities. This challenge is heightened by the prolonged duration of their holistic academic program.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged difficulties surrounding internship placements, and re-assured the graduates of her readiness to engage with relevant stakeholders to find viable聽solutions. She, however, reminded the graduates that while the current circumstances may not align with their expectations, opportunities abound and they must adapt to the situation at hand, which could ultimately be more beneficial when they secure their placements.
Her words, “I understand your concerns about securing internship placements, but don’t let the fear of uncertainty overwhelm you. You don鈥檛 have to let the fear of what鈥檚 to come consume you.鈥�
Staff Shortage
Additionally, the graduates raised concerns about the聽issue of the alarmingly low staff-to-student ratio, which has been noticed to impact the quality of their education.
In response, Professor Ogunsola recognized the importance of faculty development and staff recruitment. While she assured the graduates that the University was actively seeking ways to improve the staffing situation, she also encouraged students to approach their studies with resilience and initiative, making the most of available resources. She further emphasized the University鈥檚 commitment to enhancing the learning environment for all its students.
The Way Forward: Encouraging a Problem-Solving Mindset
In closing her engagement with the recent graduates, Professor Ogunsola, once again, offered an apology for the challenges and urged them to adopt a more constructive problem-solving approach in the future. She reminded the graduates that they are future professionals who will be tasked with solving problems in their careers and that such qualities should be nurtured during their time at the University.
The University helmswoman, therefore, urged the graduates not to focus solely on the obstacles but to also focus on finding solutions and working with the University to overcome them. She emphasized that the University leadership is committed to ensuring students鈥� success, and stressed the importance of students engaging with the institution in a productive and solution-oriented manner.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
