The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has received several complaints and growing concerns from students of the Department of Surveying and Geo-informatics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), regarding the uncertainty surrounding the accreditation and professional recognition of their program.

As the apex representative body of Nigerian students, NANS considers this situation a critical matter requiring urgent intervention. Students who have committed time, financial resources, and academic labor to their chosen career path must not be exposed to the consequences of unresolved regulatory conflicts.

Students Must Not Suffer for Regulatory Disagreements

NANS acknowledges the jurisdictional differences regarding the respective roles of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in academic accreditation and the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) in professional standards and industry licensing:

  1. Protecting Academic Investments: Whatever operational or policy discrepancies exist between NUC and SURCON, they must not be allowed to jeopardize the standing of students who enrolled in good faith.
  2. No Room for Uncertainty: Students admitted into programs approved and offered by recognized federal universities should never be left stranded or uncertain about their professional career trajectories.

Call for Joint Engagement and Transparent Communication

Both the NUC and SURCON hold pivotal responsibilities that directly shape the quality, credibility, and professional relevance of tertiary education in Nigeria.

Consequently, NANS demands the following immediate actions:

  1. Urgent Resolution Meeting: NUC and SURCON leadership must immediately convene a joint round-table to reconcile their regulatory framework in the best interest of Nigerian students.
  2. Clear Communication Channel: Official, transparent communication regarding program status, academic progression, and professional standing must be issued swiftly to FUTA management and the affected student body.

NANS remains resolutely committed to defending the rights, welfare, and interests of Nigerian students and will closely monitor developments until a complete and favorable resolution is achieved.

Signed:

Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS

President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)