By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Sokoto, Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza, has described the institution as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising universities, citing significant academic and infrastructural growth barely three and a half years after its establishment.

Professor Bunza made this known on Friday while addressing journalists in Sokoto, highlighting the university’s rapid transition from a new institution to a nationally competitive academic centre with growing relevance.

Tracing the university’s growth, he said Northwest University has recorded steady expansion in academic activities, staffing and programme development within a short period.

He disclosed that about two months ago, no fewer than 13 teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) visited the university to assess its academic programmes, personnel strength, facilities and overall compliance with national standards.

The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the institution is currently hosting the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) for the professional accreditation of its Library and Information Science programme.

According to him, beyond NUC accreditation, academic programmes are also required to undergo assessment by relevant professional and regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with established guidelines.

He explained that the LRCN team, led by Professor Ambassador Jaafar Wasi, is evaluating the university’s adherence to professional standards governing the Library and Information Science discipline.

Professor Bunza expressed satisfaction with the accreditation exercise so far, noting that the visiting professionals had engaged extensively with the department’s academic staff and facilities.

He commended the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for what he described as a thorough assessment process, while also acknowledging the role of Senator Aliyu Wamakko for his vision and sustained investment in higher education development in Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.

On the university’s academic structure, the Vice-Chancellor said the institution currently operates five faculties offering a total of 17 academic programmes.

He added that 13 of the programmes are mature and eligible for accreditation, while those under the College of Health Sciences, which are about two years old, are expected to receive accreditation teams next year, reaffirming the university’s commitment to quality assurance and national development.