From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The management of the Ondo State government owned University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo has rolled out activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the university.
The university, which is the first specialized university of medical and health sciences in Nigeria was established in 2014 by the government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Isaac Oluyi indicates that arrangements have been concluded by the authorities of the institution to celebrate the 10 years of trailblazing exploits in health education from 4th to 14th December, 2024.
Oluyi said “the university, which has radicalized the medical science education landscape with its array of innovative programmes, has been a shining example in the last 10 years with remarkable accomplishments in teaching, research and community services.
“The university, for instance, has produced three sets of medical doctors in less than 10 years of existence, a remarkable feat in the history of Nigeria’s medical science education. It has also assisted in introducing over 10 new programmes into the Nigeria’s university curriculum in conjunction with the National Universities Commission (NUC). These and many other firsts will be showcased in the course of the university’s 10th anniversary,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, while unveiling the programmes lined up for the anniversary said “this is not just an anniversary; rather, it is a celebration of trailblazing exploits that cut across teaching, research and community relations.”
“We have opened up a new vista in health professions education and we are convinced that our impacts in the last 10 years must not just be celebrated but documented for posterity,” he said.
The Chairman, Anniversary Committee, Professor Ogundahunsi who itemized the programmes that will be used to celebrate the anniversary submitted that ‘the programmes are carefully selected to revolve round the essence of universities all over the world which are – teaching, research and community service.”
He listed the activities lined up to celebrate the university’s anniversary to include, among others, advocacy and stakeholders’ engagement, competition for secondary schools, community health outreach, annual research and innovation programme, sports, anniversary lecture, commissioning of projects, convocation, students competition on public speaking, bestowment of awards on eminent personalities in the society, among others.