Dr. Felix Kehinde, a frontrunner in the 2023 national assembly elections and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Ondo East/West Federal Constituency of Ondo state, has charged government to invest more in the training of healthcare workers in Nigeria.
Speaking with newsmen after the 2nd Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe Distinguished Lecture held at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), in Ondo city, Ondo State, Kehinde reiterated the essence of world-class training and education to prepare Nigeria medical and health sciences students for quality healthcare delivery system.
He said, “We must continue to invest in the training of healthcare workers to ensure that we meet up with global standard. It is important to equip our medical schools with the right manpower and quality learning environment.”
The UK-based Physician, philanthropist and politician gave credit to the former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, for establishing the first university of medical in Nigeria. Equally, he eulogized Emeritus Prof. Akinkugbe for his vision for the university while serving as the institution’s Pro-Chancellor.
He also commended the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, for continuously breaking new grounds which according to him “the institution has witnessed tremendous transformation since Fatusi assumed office”.
Guest Speaker at the lecture, Prof. Olubunmi Olapade-Olaopa earlier delivered his lecture titled, the imperative of transforming health professions education in Nigeria.
He said part of the major challenges to transforming health professions education in Nigeria is growth without development, lack of poor quality early education and the impact of COVID 19, which has disrupted a lot of sectors including healthcare. He also suggested local solutions that will ensure most of the issues are resolved.
In his welcome address, Fatusi said the institution has maintained highest standard since inception some years ago and will continue to set new standard in medical education and training.
The event was well attended by family members of Late Prof. Akinkugbe, top government functionaries, members of the academia and the Osemawe-in-council