By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to providing legislative support to the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, in producing top-tier medically inclined graduates.

The House Committee on Tertiary Institutions made this pledge during an oversight visit to the institution in Ondo.

The Chairman of the Committee, Chris Ayebusiwa, who led other members on the visit, applauded the level of development at the institution, urging the management and staff to continue putting in more effort to ensure UNIMED maintains its standard.

The Chairman, represented by a lawmaker from Akure South Constituency 2, Barrister Stephen Abitogun, affirmed that the school has been producing qualified graduates, which is already making an impact in the health sector.

“We are pleased with the positive results. The school has made the state proud. You are delivering on the purpose for which it was established. We urge the management not to relent but to continue working as a team to further advance the institution,” he said.

Other members attested to the institution’s strong performance and assured that they would address the challenges highlighted by the management for the overall development of the institution.

The lawmakers promised to fast-track the passage of the institution’s bill before the House to further enhance its value to the sector.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adesegun Fatunsin, while briefing the Committee on the school’s progress and challenges, noted that the institution is keen to lead the scientific pathway in its areas of operation and continue to be the best specialised institution in Nigeria and beyond.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rose Angela Nwuba, the VC said the university has established new campuses and faculties/programmes, ensuring that all courses offered are accredited, except for radiography, which still requires more resources for accreditation.

Professor Fatunsin affirmed that the courses offered by the university are unique, commending the state government for its continued support.

According to him, as the 10-year-old institution expands, more capital development is required to accommodate staff and students, including an increase in subvention to meet staffing needs, among other requirements.

He therefore sought the House’s support for further development, emphasising that the institution is capital-intensive.

Regarding land encroachment on the permanent site of the school, the Vice-Chancellor also requested the intervention of the state government and the House of Assembly to secure the land.