The New Millennium Horizon (Wind of Change)
In September 2001, a new Governing Council (GC) was constituted by the Proprietor, the Lagos Branch of ADSON, for the old Institute which had been in existence for nineteen years (1982 — 2001).
The new Chairman appointed for the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (IAIS) is Chief `Tunde Fanimokun, a Development Economist, Seasoned Administrator and an accomplished Management Consultant with the Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate. Before then, he served meritoriously from 1969 —1985 in the Public Service of Lagos State and he rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary (1978 — 1985). His immediate predecessor at the old Institute was late Prof. Fatiu A. Akesode (1999 — 2001), until his death, Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, (LASU). May Allah continue to grant him Aljannat Firdaous, Ameen.
Under the new Chairman, the first major assignment undertaken by the Governing Council was a comprehensive programme of rehabilitation, renovation and redecoration of all the existing facilities within the old Institute; of Isolo Campus e.g, Mosque, Lecture Rooms, Library Hall, Office accommodation, Furniture & Fittings, Boundary Fence, Repainting, Sports Field, etc. All these works were undertaken from personal financial contributions provided by the new Chairman and Members of the Governing Council.
Secondly, for the first full year, in its review of the performance the Governing Council in 2002 deliberated extensively and consulted widely on a major policy review of the Scope, Standard and Structure of Operation of the then two — decade old institution. That reappraisal exercise was examined within the context of a. the original laudable Vision ‘n Mission of ADSON, as well as, b. in the light of overwhelming Global wind of change, aspiration and challenges of the digital age under the new millennium. Consequently, a fundamental change in orientation and focus, scope and perspective of the training needs of Teachers became quite imperative for ensuring a Greater Tomorrow.
For instance, as at that time in 2002, the National Policy on Education prescribed the Nigerian Certificate in Education, (NCE) as the minimum qualification required for teaching in any Nigerian School.
The Governing Council, (GC) beamed its deeply penetrating searchlight onto the desirability, feasibility, viability, modalities, cost-benefits analysis and sustainability of the transition and transformation of the then existing Institute into a full-fledged COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, using the available building structures on the ground at the !solo Campus of 4.9 acres.
Accordingly, appropriate study groups and sub-committees of the Governing Council were constituted. On the basis of the findings, recommendations and financial provisional estimates placed before it on the various assignments, the Governing Council on Thursday, April 24, 2003 unanimously endorsed, the formal upgrading of the (old) Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (IAIS) to a College of Education using the existing building facilities as the FOUNDATION.
