By Sade Adewale, Ondo

The Ondo State Government has recognised the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, for its trailblazing achievements in health professions education over the past ten years.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Phillips, stated this at the 2024 Public Service Award, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.

The award, he said, was designed to recognise exceptional achievements in public service and honour organisations demonstrating outstanding commitment to the development of Ondo State.

According to the Head of Service, the university received the award in recognition of its remarkable contribution to the health and education sectors within its relatively short period of existence.

He added that UNIMED is noted for excellence in teaching, research, and community service, citing the university’s accomplishments.

The Head of Service stated, among other achievements, that “UNIMED has run an uninterrupted academic calendar for about 10 years and that it was one of the few public schools that were able to swiftly pivot to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Its rare commitment to public service has enabled the university to produce three sets of medical doctors and dentists in less than 10 years, four sets of nurses, four sets of physiotherapists, two sets of medical laboratory scientists, and six sets of graduates in health sciences.

“UNIMED has the largest number of health and medical courses among Nigerian universities: its undergraduate courses increased from 12 in 2020 to 40 in 2024; its postgraduate courses have grown to 59, including 23 PhD programmes, between 2020 and 2024.

“The university has consistently recorded 100% in all professional examinations conducted by regulatory councils, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Community Health.”

The university’s dedication to community development was also highlighted, noting its annual debate competition for primary schools; the UNIMED Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics competition for secondary schools; a community dental programme in Ile-Oluji; Sustainable Primary Health Care programmes in Oke-Igbo and Ilu-Titun; and regular health outreach programmes,” Phillips noted.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, who spoke on behalf of the honorees, said, “Excellence thrives when it is recognised, rewarded, and celebrated.”

He said the Public Service Award initiative reflects the Ondo State Government’s commitment to excellence in public service, and that the story of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, is one of vision, courage, and resilience to turn seemingly impossible goals into reality.

According to him, the state government’s recognition is a testament to UNIMED’s commitment to excellence in all its activities. Other organisations awarded by the state government at the 2024 Public Service Award included the Ondo State Health Commission and the Civil Service Commission.