From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The management of the Ondo State government-owned University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, has announced activities to mark the university’s 10th anniversary.
The university, Nigeria’s first specialised institution for medical and health sciences, was established in 2014 by the government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko.
A statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Isaac Oluyi, indicates that arrangements have been completed to celebrate 10 years of trailblazing achievements in health education from 4th to 14th December 2024.
Oluyi said, “The university, which has revolutionised the medical science education landscape with its array of innovative programmes, has been a shining example over 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, a remarkable feat in the history of Nigeria’s medical science education. It has also assisted in introducing over 10 new programmes into Nigeria’s university curriculum in conjunction with the National Universities Commission (NUC). These and many other firsts will be showcased during the university’s 10th anniversary,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, while unveiling the programmes planned 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 over the last 10 years must not just be celebrated but documented for posterity,” he said.
The Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Professor Ogundahunsi, who outlined the programmes to celebrate the anniversary, stated that “the programmes are carefully selected to revolve around the essence of universities all over the world, which are – teaching, research and community service.”
He listed the activities planned for the anniversary, including advocacy and stakeholders’ engagement, a competition for secondary schools, community health outreach, an annual research and innovation programme, sports events, an anniversary lecture, project commissioning, convocation, a student competition on public speaking, and the bestowment of awards on eminent personalities in society, among others.
