…reaffirms commitment to education, healthcare

By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Senate Building at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, on Friday.

The event, a key highlight of the university’s 6th Convocation, underscores his administration’s commitment to advancing education and healthcare in the state.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the ₦1 billion project as a strategic investment in the institution’s future. “The quality of infrastructure and human resources in an institution such as UNIMED is of utmost importance. This Senate Building will stand as a symbol of our collective dedication to excellence in education and healthcare,” he stated.

The governor also used the occasion to celebrate the university’s decade of remarkable achievements, lauding its leadership, staff, and students for their contributions to its growth.

“With this year’s convocation, UNIMED has produced three sets of medical doctors and dentists in less than 10 years, a remarkable feat in Nigeria’s history,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa highlighted his administration’s unwavering support for UNIMED, including the recent approval of ₦500 million as the first tranche for the Senate Building project and ₦250 million counterpart funding for the Olu Akinkugbe Faculty of Pharmacy.

The ceremony also featured other significant milestones, including the conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished individuals such as the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, former Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and Chief Isaac Akintade. The Osemawe was formally presented with the instrument of office as the university’s new Chancellor during the event.

Addressing the graduates, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged them to uphold the values of compassion, innovation, and lifelong learning as they embark on their careers. “You are the future of healthcare in Nigeria, and we are counting on you to bring transformative change,” he said.

Earlier, in his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, extended heartfelt congratulations to the governor on his recent victory in the gubernatorial election.

Fatusi highlighted that the event was not merely about the conferment of degrees and awards but also a celebration of the university’s remarkable growth and development over the years.

He noted that the institution has continuously evolved, introducing a range of innovative programmes aimed at addressing contemporary educational and professional needs.

Among its achievements, the university has successfully produced three cohorts of medical doctors within the past decade, a testament to its commitment to academic excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the governor for his unwavering support for the university. He specifically praised the governor’s approval of ₦250 million for the construction of a pharmacy complex and an additional ₦1 billion for the Senate Building.

These significant financial commitments, he said, underscore the governor’s dedication to advancing the university’s infrastructure and overall success.

In attendance were the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, and the Special Adviser on Education, Wumi Ilawola.