Innocent Onoh
Prof. Ibrahim Olateju of the Department of Management Technology, Lagos State University (LASU), has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to incorporate virtual space as a criterion for programme accreditation in universities.
Olateju said this at the 106th Edition of LASU inaugural lecture series at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU, Ojo, in Lagos.
The lecture had the theme: ‘Balancing Innovation and Stability in Project Quality Management: The Roles of Challengers and Defenders for Sustainable Development.’
He said the NUC should integrate virtual space for programme accreditation in universities.
“The NUC should identify and integrate virtual spaces as one of the criteria for programme accreditation within our universities.
“This will ensure that institutions are equipped to offer and manage online and hybrid learning environments effectively,” he said.
He added that quality appraisals should be conducted continuously throughout the training period for all disciplines.
“This approach ensures ongoing assessment and improvement, rather than relying solely on end-term evaluations.
“The practice of using a specified calendar for one-off examinations as the primary method of student appraisal should be discouraged.
“Instead, a more holistic assessment approach should be adopted and also revise the appraisal ratio,” he said.
He added that the current 30/70 ratio should be reversed to 70/30 in favour of continuous appraisals.
“This shift will provide a more accurate reflection of students’ abilities and consistent performance over time.
“Each university should establish an examination bank to serve as a repository for examination questions.
“This resource will support the standardisation and improvement of assessment practices across institutions,” he said.
He said these recommendations would foster a more dynamic and accurate assessment system, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and better preparing students for future challenges.
Speaking on the theme, he noted that quality management involved overseeing all activities and tasks required to maintain a desired level of excellence.
“This includes four key components: quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement.
“The goal of quality management is to ensure that an organisation, product, or service consistently meets specified specified standards, as well as customer and regulatory requirements,” he said.
He added that quality management in Nigeria was evident in organisations that had adopted international standards to improve their operations.
“Research on quality management in Nigeria highlights the impact of various practices on organisational performance,” he said.
On project management, he said the integration of smart technologies played a significant role in enhancing sustainability in project management.
“These technologies provide real time data for decision making, decrease operational defaults and have notable economic and environmental advantages.
“By integrating these roles within quality management frameworks, organisations can optimise processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance sustainability.
“This dual focus not only mitigates the cost of poor quality but also positions organisations as leaders in delivering value and fostering innovation.
“Ultimately, viewing quality as a strategic asset that drives sustainable growth and development helps align business practices with global goals,” he said.
He said these organisations contribute meaningfully to the achievement of SDGs and secure long-term success.
Present at the lecture was the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello among other management, staff and students of the school.