The University of Ilesa (UNILESA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering professional excellence and institutional development following a courtesy visit by the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Institute, Dr. Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi, and her delegation to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, Ph.D, FCA.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Olusesi commended the University of Ilesa under the leadership of Professor Asaolu for subscribing to the membership of the Nigerian Institute of Management, describing the decision as a significant milestone capable of opening new frontiers of collaboration between both institutions.
According to her, the University's affiliation with the Institute represents "a right step in the right direction" that would facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in the areas of professional training and capacity development for staff as well as innovative revenue-generation initiatives.
Dr. Olusesi expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and members of the University Management for their participation in the maiden edition of the Institute's Leadership Training Programme held in The Gambia. She noted that the active engagement and outstanding performance of Professor Asaolu at the event left a remarkable impression on participants and organisers alike.
She disclosed that the Vice Chancellor's exemplary contribution at the leadership training had informed the Institute's decision to invite him as one of the facilitators at the next edition of the programme scheduled to hold in Ethiopia, describing the invitation as a recognition of his wealth of experience and thought leadership in higher education administration.
The NIM Registrar further highlighted the growing influence of the Institute, stating that it currently boasts over 200,000 individual members and more than 400 corporate members across Nigeria and beyond. She emphasized that the Institute remains committed to advancing management excellence and professional development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and corporate organisations.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. He observed that the engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration and cross-fertilisation of ideas between professional bodies and academic institutions, stressing that such synergy remains critical to national growth and development.
Professor Asaolu stated that the University of Ilesa firmly believes that education must extend beyond the classroom. He explained that the institution actively promotes professional certification alongside academic training to equip graduates with the requisite skills, competence and competitive advantage needed in today's dynamic labour market.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that students of the University's Department of Accounting have already commenced professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), adding that one of the institution's 300-Level students had successfully completed the final stage of the professional examination.
According to him, the achievement underscores the quality of academic training and mentorship available at the University.
He further noted that the University has established productive working relationships with several government-approved professional bodies, all of which have become valuable partners in progress. Professor Asaolu expressed optimism about extending similar collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Management.
The visit culminated in the presentation of a Certificate of Membership of the Institute to the Vice Chancellor by Dr. Olusesi, while both parties exchanged gifts as a symbol of mutual respect, friendship and a shared commitment to advancing professional and academic excellence.
Babatunde Fanawopo
Senior Assistant Registrar (Corporate Service and Information Unit), University of Ilesa.
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