The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Ondo State, the first specialised university of medical and health sciences in Nigeria, is set to celebrate ten years of trailblazing exploits in health professions education between 4th and 14th December, 2024.
The University, which has radicalised 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 3 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.
Isaac Oluyi, Public Relations Officer, UNIMED, reports that the Vice-Chancellor, 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 our impacts in the last 10 years must not just be celebrated but documented for posterity”.
To this end, the University will address the press to enlighten and educate the public about the workings of the institution, showcase its achievements and give room for members of the fourth estate of the realm to ask questions. This is in line with the TEA (Transparency, Efficiency, and Accountability) mantra of the University.
The Chairman, Anniversary Committee, Professor Ogundahunsi who itemised 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”.
According to him “this is to enable us further impact the society even while celebrating 10 years of the University’s existence”. He then listed the activities lined up to celebrate the University to include, among others, advocacy and stakeholders’ engagement, U-STEM 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.
The University hopes well-meaning and prominent citizens of Ondo State will rally round the institution through moral and financial support. UNIMED is the pride of Ondo State, particularly in medical and health science education.