By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the construction of a Senate building at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, with an initial deposit of N500 million to kick-start the project.

The remaining N500 million will be included in the 2025 budget.

The Governor made this announcement during the 6th convocation ceremony of the university, held at the main campus in Ondo on Thursday.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Special Adviser (SA) on Education, Dr (Mrs) Olawunmi Ilawole, emphasised that health and education remain two pillars that will always be prioritised by his administration, as they are fundamental to sustainable development.

“In line with our goals, the state government will continue to support UNIMED in ways that will allow the institution to thrive. Although, at the early stages of the university’s development, resources for the provision of infrastructure, faculty support, and research funding were limited, I am delighted to note that recently we contributed N250 million as counterpart funding towards the construction of the Olu Akinkugbe Faculty of Pharmacy—a unique tripartite Public-Private Partnership and initiative involving the Olu Akinkugbe Pharmacy Education Trust, the state government, and UNIMED.”

“The quality of infrastructure and human resources in an institution such as UNIMED is of utmost importance. While we are investing in buildings, classrooms, and laboratories, we know that the real strength of a university lies in its human resources. Our faculty and staff at UNIMED are our most valuable resource. I commend every member of the university community for their relentless dedication to excellence.”

“To our graduates, as you step into the national workforce, I want you to remember that you are entering at a time when the demand for competent, compassionate, and skilled health professionals is at an all-time high. Each of you represents a potential part of that transformative impact, but times have changed, and emerging technologies are creating novel opportunities.”

He assured his commitment to continue delivering impactful projects that will positively affect the lives of the people and strengthen the state’s economy.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, stated that the convocation is a special event to celebrate men and women who have been worthy in character and learning to be granted the degree of the institution.

He urged the graduands to go on the mission of “touching lives and making an impact in the nation”, in line with the words of the university anthem.

He noted that the number of undergraduate courses at UNIMED has increased from 12, which he met in March 2020, to 40 in 2024.

“Thus, UNIMED currently has the largest collection of health and medical courses in the Nigerian university system. Interestingly, several of our new courses have been pioneered by the university, as they did not exist in the Nigerian university system.”

“Overall, we have started four new faculties: Faculties of Medical Rehabilitation, Pharmacy, Health Law and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies, and a School of Public Health. We have also created three institutes, 15 interdisciplinary centres, and 20 new departments over the last five years.”

He urged the graduands to always remember that they are the product of Nigeria’s first and best specialised medical and health sciences university, where the philosophy is “excellent or nothing.”

Also, the Pro-Chancellor of UNIMED, Professor Ayodele Arowojolu, said, “The world is filled with opportunities waiting to be seized, and your education has equipped you with the skills to navigate this dynamic landscape. I encourage each of you to take on the mantle of responsibility, using your knowledge and skills to champion causes that matter to you.”

“The journey ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with endless possibilities for growth and discovery.”

Earlier in his address, Chancellor of UNIMED, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, said that as the first of its kind in Nigeria, the university has not only pioneered a new path in health professions education but has also inspired the establishment of similar institutions across the country.

“This is a testament to the vision of the founding fathers, the unwavering commitment of the Ondo State Government, and the tenacity of purpose and excellent performance of the university’s first two Vice-Chancellors: Professor Friday Okonofua and Professor Adesegun Fatusi.”

“I hereby extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduands, their families, the entire UNIMED community, and the Ondo State Government for this convocation and the remarkable progress made by the university over the last ten years.”

Meanwhile, the former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, graduated as the best student in the Master of Health Law and Policy programme, winning the award for the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Prize.