The Geology Department of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has raised concerns about the imminent loss of its accreditation and has made a public appeal for assistance.

In a letter signed by the Head of the Department, Professor O. E. Imasuen, and addressed to all alumni of the Department, the alarm was sounded regarding the department’s accreditation status. The letter, obtained by METROWATCH, stated that the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (CONMEG) has given the department a final opportunity to undergo accreditation between August 6 and 11.

To prepare for the accreditation process, the Department needs to raise a minimum of N2.5 million (two million, five hundred thousand Naira). This amount would cover the accreditation fee, transportation, accommodation, feeding, and other logistical requirements for the CONEG accreditation team.

Imasuen highlighted that the biggest challenge is that UNIBEN has ceased funding accreditation expenses by professional bodies, shifting the responsibility entirely onto the department to source funds for the accreditation of its programs.

The Head of the Department appealed to all alumni of the Geology Department at UNIBEN to urgently come to the aid of the department, not only for the accreditation but also for other pressing needs.

CONMEG serves as the professional regulatory body for Mining Engineering and Geosciences degree programs in Nigeria. The loss of accreditation would have significant consequences for the Geology Department and its ability to offer quality education and training in the field.