Adedotun Ajayi.

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated the visitation panel for the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, stating that the exercise is crucial for evaluating the institution’s progress and determining the necessary support from the state government.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Monday at the Governor’s Office in Akure, Aiyedatiwa explained that the visitation panel is meant to be a regular assessment conducted every five years to review the university’s growth, challenges, and overall performance.

“This visitation is supposed to be a periodic exercise, occurring every five years and at the start of a new administration. It serves as an evaluation of what has happened in the institution over time,” the governor said.

He emphasised that with a new Vice-Chancellor now in charge, it is the duty of the government to have a clear understanding of the university’s current status to determine how best to support its development.

“As a government, we need to know the actual position of the university so that we can provide the necessary assistance for its growth. That is why this panel has been put in place. You have been carefully selected to carry out this responsibility, and I have no doubt that your work will lead to further advancements and add more value to the institution,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

The governor urged the panel members to ensure that the new Vice-Chancellor is well-informed about every aspect of the university’s operations to facilitate effective administration and decision-making.

He also expressed gratitude to the members for accepting to serve in this capacity, acknowledging the importance of their role in shaping the future of the institution.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the chairman of the visitation panel, Prof. Gbenga Olumekun, who is the Director of the University Advancement Office at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, assured that the panel would carry out its duties with professionalism and objectivity. 

He reaffirmed the commitment of the panel members to conducting a thorough evaluation and making recommendations that would strengthen UNIMED’s academic and administrative structures.

“We recognise the importance of this assignment and the expectations placed upon us. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders, conduct a comprehensive review, and provide recommendations that will enhance the university’s capacity to fulfill its mission,” Prof. Olumekun said.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; the Head of Service, Bayo Philip; and the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Simidele Odimayo; Commissioner of Justice; Kayode Ajulo, Commissioner for Finance, Omowumi Isaac, among others.