Get Guardian on GoogleThe capacity of Nigerian universities to produce skilled manpower, strengthen critical sectors of the economy and compete in global research has come into focus as Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, prepares to graduate 1,443 students at its 21st convocation ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the institution, Prof. Jonathan O. Babalola, said that Bowen recorded 100 per cent success in the accreditation of eight academic programmes presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the VC, the achievement, alongside the university’s contribution to healthcare manpower development and research, underscores the potential role of private universities in addressing Nigeria’s educational and human capital challenges.
In a statement yesterday, Babalola said the eight programmes that secured full accreditation include Surveying and Geoinformatics, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Pure and Applied Biology, Religious Studies, Architecture, among others.
Medical Laboratory Science and Doctor of Physiotherapy.
He also disclosed that the admission quota for the university’s Bachelor of Laws programme was increased by 100 per cent following a professional accreditation exercise conducted by the Council of Legal Education in April 2026.
On healthcare manpower development, the vice-chancellor said Bowen presented 319 health professionals for induction into their respective professional bodies during the period under review, which comprised 86 medical doctors, 119 nurses, 71 physiotherapists and 43 medical laboratory scientists.
He, however, described the development as part of the university’s contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce at a time when the country needs sustained investment in the training and retention of qualified health professionals.
Babalola also highlighted the institution’s research contributions, disclosing that Bowen ranked 24th among 359 Nigerian institutions in the latest AD Scientific Index, 161st in Africa and 3,441st globally.
He said Bowen had intensified efforts to equip students with entrepreneurial, technological and professional skills to improve their competitiveness in the labour market, noting the rising operational costs, energy demands, inadequate accommodation and insufficient research infrastructure as major challenges confronting private universities in Nigeria.
He said the rapid transformation of technology also required universities to continually review their academic programmes and increase investment in digital infrastructure and research.
Babalola, therefore, reaffirmed Bowen’s commitment to academic quality, innovation, international partnerships and producing graduates equipped with relevant skills and moral values.
