The Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) ABU Zaria met for her Stakeholders maiden edition, which was hosted by Kwara State College of Education Ilorin, held in the College Board room on the 28th of July 2021.
The Acting Provost Dr. Jimoh Ahmed Ayinla in his welcome address stated how highly delighted he is to welcome all to Kwara State College of Education Ilorin, the first state College of Education in Nigeria (Better by Excellence).
He also appreciated them for choosing the College as the venue for its maiden edition of the stakeholders meeting to discuss the just concluded 2021 IJMB examination and other related matters.
Ayinla added that he is however not surprise by the long relationship the college has with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the seat of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) and the college being the thirtieth (30th) IJMB centre to be approved by the parent body is highly honoured.
He further said that the relationship has spanned for close to two decades now, that is, from 2006 till date. He added that IJMB like we know is basically a qualifying examination to gain admission into Nigeria and other International Universities.
Ayinla, therefore, said that the college at her end has tried as much as possible to keep the promise aimed at not only sustaining the relationship but also strengthening it for the progress of our institutions.
He also said that the stakeholders’ meeting is well-timed because of some teething problems that have for long been threatening the IJMB programme, so he, therefore, said that he is convinced that this will offer them the opportunity to rob minds on how to collectively address the issues.
The Coordinator, IJMB Programmes ABU, Zaria, Dr. Haruna Aminu who presided over the stakeholders meeting in his remark appreciated the Provost for agreeing to host them in the Institution despite the short notice and also to be part of the meeting to declare it open, which implies he has the interest of IJMB at heart and which is duly appreciated.
He added that the meeting is the first of its kind in the history of IJMB, where they would come to a particular region and hold a stakeholder meeting.
Aminu said that when they were meeting on where to host it, the obvious choice was the College of Education, Ilorin because it has been the falcon of the IJMB programmes, particularly in the South West.
He stated that he could recall when they came for the accreditation programme; he challenged the first Director of IJMB now retired, to take bold steps towards ensuring IJMB has a right fitting in the college.
Aminu added that they were quite pleased that the retired Director did so well in establishing the IJMB, where the programme of the college could be recognized in the entire country.
He further said that when the issue of where to host the meeting came up, College of Education, Ilorin popped up in their mind because of their sure hospitality and friendly partnership with ABU Zaria for a long time and they look forward to a fruitful continuing relationship.
He thereafter wished the Ag. Provost a happy tenure of office even as he heads this institution.
Others in attendance include; a representative from Lead City University, Al-Hikmah University, Allover Central Polytechnic, Sango-Ota, College of Education Egueben, Edo, Osun State College of Education Ilesa, OSSCE Ila Oragun and another representative from Kwara State University.
Others are; representatives from Kinsey Academy, Crown-hill University, Offa Federal Polytechnic Gavel SPAS, University of Offa, SPS, College of Education, Oro and two representative from College of Education, Ilorin.