By Saheed Ibrahim
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Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has reiterated his commitment to make the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) the first and the best in the Nigerian professional health education.
Akeredolu, who was speaking at the induction ceremony of the first set of Medical Doctors of the University, said building on the foundation laid by the past administration, the visionary zeal, strategic approach, hard work and extraordinary commitment of the current team have distinguished UNIMED as a leading force in Nigeria’s health professions education landscape.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, he further said that the state government is proud of its investment in UNIMED for yielding great and unparalleled returns for the health and education sectors and contributing significantly to the nation’s overall development.
He said, “our administration hopes to fulfil soon its obligation of contributing N250 million, which represents a third of the projected construction cost of the faculty of Pharmacy building.
“We remain resolute in supporting this impacted institution and its leadership to fully realise its vision of providing integrated education and research of exceptional quality in all health-related sciences.”
Speaking at the event, the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Friday Okonofua, said UNIMED has produced a new crop of doctors who will address the challenges currently faced by the medical profession in the country.
He urged them to exhibit the professional principles the university has taught them, which include professionalism, skill, obedience to ethical practices and the medical oath; compassion and empathy to patients; resilience despite overwhelming barriers and difficulties; patriotism and devotion to the health of Nigerians.
He recommended that the UNIMED Teaching Hospital should be integrated into the university to prevent waste of resources and ensure the cost-effective running of both institutions.
He appealed to the management of the university not to rest on it oars and continue to work hard to position the university as the best for training medical doctors not only in Nigeria but in the West African sub-region
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, enjoined the thirty-four graduating doctors to represent the university well and see their call as a privilege to act on God’s behalf.
