By Our Correspondent
The Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUEP), has commenced efforts to revive its Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme as a resource verification team from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, visited the institution to assess its readiness for affiliation.
Receiving the four-member delegation at the university’s Council Board Room, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noel Wannang, expressed confidence that the institution possesses the human and material resources required to successfully run the programme.
He described the IJMB programme as a critical academic platform that has, since its establishment in 1976 under ABU law, provided educational opportunities for thousands of students across the country.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the programme has grown into a nationally recognized advanced-level qualification moderated by ABU and accepted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a valid route for Direct Entry admission into Nigerian universities.
Prof. Wannang noted that the restoration of the programme at FUEP would create additional opportunities for prospective students seeking admission into higher institutions while strengthening the university’s mandate of delivering quality academic training.
He expressed optimism that the verification exercise would yield positive results and pave the way for the institution to resume the programme.
Speaking during the visit, the National Director of IJMB, Prof. Haruna Aminu, highlighted the history and achievements of the board, emphasizing its enduring commitment to academic excellence and educational development.
Leader of the verification team, Prof. Adewale Oyewale, explained that the exercise was designed to ensure compliance with established standards. He said the team would examine staff credentials, interact with proposed lecturers, and inspect facilities earmarked for the programme, including offices, library resources, and other academic infrastructure.
Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Director of IJMB, Prof. Yahaya Abdullahi, and the Provost of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), Kurgwi, Dr. Kitdanka Goteng.
In a vote of thanks, the Registrar of the university, Longtong Yadok, appreciated the team for the visit and assured them of the institution’s full cooperation throughout the verification process.
He expressed confidence that the university would receive a favourable outcome from the exercise, enabling it to re-establish the IJMB programme and further expand access to tertiary education.
The visit forms part of the resource verification process for the resuscitation of the IJMB affiliation at FUEP, a move expected to broaden academic opportunities for students and enhance the institution’s educational offerings.
