The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMSA) Prof Fatiu Arogundade, on Thursday urged the newly admitted students into the university to shun unlawful groups, embrace discipline, and steer clear of any indulgence that could jeopardise their future and studies in the institution.
Arogundade handed down this counsel during the matriculation of the pioneering 1000 students of the newly established university held at Prof Olufemi Balogun ceremonial building, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, which currently serves as the temporary campus for the new university.
The vice chancellor urged the students to leverage the opportunity provided to them by the university to acquire relevant skills and competency; be law-abiding and obey relevant authority and officials, and above all, keep away from participating in activities that may jeopardize their studentship.
He described the matriculation ceremony as a special moment for the institution and a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening health education and national renewal.
Arogundade stated, “As I rejoice with you, our wonderful students, for being part of this historical occasion, I hereby charge you to focus on your studies, refrain from associating with unlawful groups.
“FUMMSA is for character building; moreover, it is a specialised institution established to strengthen the medical and health profession with lots of ethical expectations and ethos”.
The VC, however, disclosed that the university would be developing curricula in new programmes in recognition of national priorities and needs in the medical specialties.
Arogundade also lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the specialised universities of medical sciences across the six geopolitical zones, explaining that the move would significantly enhance the production of manpower that is needed to strengthen qualitative healthcare delivery across the country.
He added that this initiative would also help to reduce the impact of Japa syndrome due to the increase in the number of health workers that these specialised universities would be turning out annually.
Arogundade explained that at FUMMSA, the management believes that medical education is not just the transmission of skills but a fusion of intellect, empathy, and innovation.
The VC said that the university’s mission is to foster and train competent healthcare professionals equipped to respond to national and global health challenges through appropriate, creative, and technology-driven solutions.
He said that “The university also strongly believes that every programme, partnership, and act of service reflects the founding conviction that knowledge is most powerful when it heals and serves”.
Arogundade lauded Tinubu, the Ogun State government, the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof Babatunde Kehinde, as well as the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, among others, for their notable support to ensure the smooth take-off of the university.
He called for further cooperation and support from all stakeholders to ensure that the university fulfills its founding goals and vision.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Usman Mohammed, highlighted the university’s national importance, which he said included developing a skilled health workforce that is capable of addressing the nation’s medical challenges.
Delivering the convocation lecture themed ” FUMMSA: The Making Of A Great Citadel Of Learning”, former Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun, charged the institution’s management to strive towards making the university a global institution through strategic leadership, innovative policies, and a clear vision.
In growing the university, Balogun charged the management to guard their loins with sincerity of purpose, determination, and humility, among others, in their pioneering efforts, which he said are always daunting.
He further admonished the VC to prioritise the staff welfare, build trust across all the stakeholders’ groups, foster peace and stability, show empathy to both staff and students, as well as be fair in all his dealings throughout the period he will be serving as the university.
The guest lecturer also charged the students and the university community to align their efforts with these goals while upholding the highest standards of academic and professional integrity.
In his goodwill message, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, reminded matriculants that they are only beginning their journey to greatness in life and should therefore prioritize academic excellence and build a wonderful future for themselves.
The five-month-old university currently runs eight faculties that include the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Computing Science and Mathematics, the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, the Faculty of Dentistry, as well as the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, among others.
