The Academic Planning Unit (APU) at the American Polytechnic of Nigeria (APN) operates under the Office of the Rector, having been established to ensure the institution’s academic programs meet the highest standards of excellence.
Vision
To be an outstanding Academic Planning Unit among tertiary institutions, making a significant impact on teaching, learning, and research.
Mission
To ensure that the content of academic programs, facilities, human, and other resources are of adequate and universally acceptable standards, fostering a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research to sustain technological education in Nigeria.
Philosophy
To improve and transform the academic learning environment to high and acceptable standards across all programs at APN.
Functions of the Academic Planning Unit
Enrollment and Staffing Projections: Projecting student enrollment and determining corresponding staff requirements to maintain optimal staffing levels.
Staffing Analysis: Assessing staff strength to prevent overstaffing and its associated challenges.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Computation: Calculating FTE for all programs and analyzing data for effective planning.
Curriculum Development: Assisting in the revision and development of curricula to ensure compliance with established procedures and guidelines for both existing and new academic programs.
Resource Identification: Identifying major teaching and research needs within departments.
Accreditation Coordination: Facilitating and coordinating activities for the accreditation and re-accreditation of all academic programs, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
Program Management: Collaborating with schools, institutes, and academic departments to initiate, establish, and manage academic courses and programs.
Professional Accreditation Liaison: Coordinating with professional bodies to secure accreditation for relevant programs.
Affiliation Management: Evaluating and processing affiliation requests from other tertiary institutions in consultation with APN’s legal department.
Academic Linkages: Initiating and processing academic partnerships and technical collaborations with other institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and relevant bodies.
Research Support: Assisting in identifying and processing opportunities for fellowships, scholarships, technical assistance, and external aid to enhance staff teaching and research capabilities.
Data Management: Collaborating with APN’s Information Technology department to maintain an up-to-date academic database.
Data Interpretation: Analyzing annual student enrollment and graduation statistics to inform planning and decision-making.
Activity Monitoring: Regularly updating and collecting data on APN’s activities, including:
Student enrollments by program and gender.
Performance evaluations of academic programs based on specified parameters and regulatory guidelines.
Baseline data on student and staff statistics for planning, budgeting, and management purposes.
Course Credit System Oversight: Monitoring and coordinating the efficient operation of the course credit system and implementing necessary revisions.
Curriculum Coordination: Overseeing the development and review of curricula for APN’s programs.
Examination Management: Administering APN examinations through the preparation, procurement, and distribution of examination materials.
Timetable Preparation: Developing comprehensive examination and lecture timetables.
Feasibility Studies: Conducting studies for the establishment of new academic programs.
Strategic Planning: Participating in the production, monitoring, and periodic review of APN’s strategic plan concerning academic matters.
Research Promotion: Encouraging, administering, and monitoring research projects and programs within APN.
Research Proposal Processing: Reviewing research proposals from academic staff and forwarding them to the College Research Committee for grant considerations.
Progress Reporting: Compiling progress and annual reports on research projects funded by regulatory agencies and submitting periodic updates to such bodies.
Additional Duties: Performing other tasks as assigned by the Rector.
The Academic Planning Unit is committed to serving the staff, students, and the entire APN community by ensuring effective academic planning and program development, thereby maintaining APN’s leadership position among higher institutions in Nigeria.