By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The amendment bill seeking to rename the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (OSUMS) as the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) has come under the spotlight during a public hearing at the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure.

Stakeholders, including medical professionals and members of the public, emphasised the need for the bill’s swift passage to address recognition issues that have affected graduates of the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, highlighted the urgency of the amendment, pointing out that the existing legal name causes challenges for graduates when dealing with national and international recognition bodies like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

“At this point in our ten-year history, it is extremely important that this name be legally established as UNIMED,” he stated, adding that aligning the institution’s name with global standards is critical to resolving certificate verification issues faced by alumni abroad.

Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, declared the hearing open, describing the exercise as essential for incorporating stakeholder input into the legislative process.

He assured attendees of the Assembly’s commitment to creating a robust law.

Chris Aiyebusiwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, affirmed that the proposed amendment had undergone thorough scrutiny, taking into account the aspirations of both the government and the institution.

The bill, if passed, is expected to enhance the university’s status, increase student admissions, and protect the credibility of its graduates globally.