Benson Idahosa University exceeds ICAN ‘minimum eligibility criteria’
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), under its Mutual Cooperative Agreement with Tertiary Institutions (MCATI), visited Benson Idahosa University to assess the quality of the University’s accounting programme.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the MCATI committee, Chief Oye Akinsulire said the visit was to assess the dissemination of accounting knowledge to students and to improve their accounting experience and competency. According to him, when the Mutual Cooperative Agreement with Tertiary Institutions (MCATI) is signed after the accreditation, the deal would allow 100 and 200 Level undergraduates of the University to have five foundation and six skill level subjects exempted when writing their final ICAN examination. The exemption, he said is aimed at deepening the standard of learning and ethical skills among the students.
Also, the graduates would join the professional examinations, where they would be required to write only five papers required for qualification. He said the accreditation team was satisfied that the Benson Idahosa University has maintained high standards required to keep it on their list of accredited institutions by continually meeting the minimum eligibility standard set by the Council of the Institute, and recommended the collaboration and signing of this Mutual Co-operation Agreement with Benson Idahosa University.
Chief Akinsulire said, “On the subject per subject assessment is the job that brought us here, we have checked, it is the responsibility of ICAN President to be here in person to sign agreement before you, while you sign before him; but the task is mine to determine whether the University qualifies for the MCATI accreditation. Without mincing words, Benson Idahosa University has met the minimum standard.”
He further commended the lecturers in the department for their dedication and commitment adding that the system is perfect but there is always room for improvement. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie in his remarks thanked the team for their meticulousness stating that it is a welcome development as the University has continued to demonstrate capacity in learning.
He further attributed that the collaboration features the University’s core areas, which are Research, Teaching and Service. Prof. Izevbigie expressed delight in the assessment given and acknowledged the professionalism that ICAN has been identified with over time. He re-iterated that the institute should not relent in its pivotal role in national development.
The Acting Head, Department of Accounting, Dr. S.N Ugbogbo, thanked the management for their unflinching support adding that their contribution has aided in the successful churning out of eligible and competent accountants.
Meanwhile, to further support the growth of the accounting profession and enhance global competitiveness, the Institute recently donated laptops and accounting textbooks to Benson Idahosa University.
During the presentation which took place at the institute’s headquarter in Lagos, the 53rd President of ICAN, Ismaila Muhammadu Zakari, said the gesture was borne out of the association’s determination to add value, build capacity and improve the standard in the teaching of accountancy in tertiary institutions. He said: “As a professional body committed to technical excellence and in line with its statutory mandate of setting standards and regulating the practice of accountancy in the country, the institute proactively reacted to challenges facing tertiary institutions by instituting policies to support the growth and development of accounting education in Nigeria.”
The Acting Head, Department of Accounting, Dr. S.N Ugbogbo, while presenting the gift items to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie said the donation by ICAN was In line with the Institute’s drive to foster development in accounting knowledge and skills. Prof. Ernest Izevbigie congratulated the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences on the great achievement. He expressed optimism that the books will be beneficial to the students and aid academic growth.