The Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has stated that Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, (FUHSO), Benue State, will bridge the huge gap in Nigeria’s needs for medical doctors.
Mallam Adamu stated this on Friday, at the maiden matriculation of the university held at its temporary site, Otada in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Arc. Sunny Echono, said “based on the existing production rate, it will take Nigeria about 120 years to have the number of doctors she needs, assuming all our doctors remain in the country.”
He noted that the establishment of FUHSO will act as a catalyst, through training, research and innovation, for the effective utilisation, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria’s natural, economic and human resources.
Adamu charged the matriculating students to strive to excel in their studies by completing their studies in record time because all eyes are on them.
The Minister commended the efforts of the university’s governing council, management and staff expressing the hope that their efforts thus far will be sustained for conducive learning and work environment.
Speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Innocent Ujah said it is “a dream come true.”
FUHSO is the first ever federal university of health sciences in Nigeria.
The Next Edition reports that 230 students were matriculated at the university’s maiden matriculation.
FUHSO was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, under the then President Goodluck Jonathan and on June 7, 2019, the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the restoration of the university.
He said the university will contribute to education, health and economy.
According to the VC, the vision of FUHSO is to be “a world class institution for learning, scientific research and innovation for developing the next generation of healthcare providers.”
READ ALSO: Woman Who Drowned 2 Daughters Inside Well To Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation – Police
Prof. Ujah said its mission is to build capacity of healthcare professionals through integrated medical education, professional skills and research towards access to high quality healthcare services.
While congratulating the maiden students of the university, the Pioneer VC said the institution “is poised to nurture excellent training of healthcare professionals through innovative, cutting -edge research and development and ensuring in the emergence of highly sought-after healthcare professionals.
He warned against the sale of handouts, anti-social behaviours or activities, professional and academic indiscipline saying all teachings will use electronic modules of delivering lectures.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom, said he was proud that the university has taken off.
He promised that State Government will partner with the Federal Ministry of Health for the maintenance of the standard of the university.
