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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (middle), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, Dr. Salsi Banye (right) and the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Abel Onunu (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Governing Board and Management of the University in Government House, Asaba on Tuesday. PHOTO: SAMUEL
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has affirmed his administration’s commitment to the successful take-off of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.
Speaking on Tuesday at Government House, Asaba, when he received the Governing Council and Management of the institution led by its Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Salisu Banye, Governor Oborevwori, described institution as a legacy project that would boost access to quality education and healthcare delivery in the state.
“As pioneers, you carry the heavy responsibility of putting this university on a solid footing. The task ahead demands sacrifice, hard work, commitment, dedication, resourcefulness, and selflessness. I am impressed with the progress you have made so far, and I encourage you to sustain the momentum,” the governor added.
He assured that his administration would continue to provide necessary support, including infrastructure and logistics, to ensure the university’s smooth take-off.
According to him, his government had already approved the use of the General Hospital, Kwale, as a take-off point for the Teaching Hospital, while efforts were ongoing to extend electricity supply to the campus.
Oborevwori recalled the challenges of limited admission slots in the past, which led to the establishment of additional state owned universities during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
“Today, we are the only state in Nigeria with four state-owned universities, all of which are thriving and reducing pressure on admissions. With this new federal university, more opportunities will be created for our children,” he said.
The governor also highlighted Delta’s reputation as an education hub, citing the recent global debate award won by public school students in Doha, Qatar, as evidence of the good result of the state’s investment in quality education. He promised to provide a 30-seater bus to the university.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Salisu Banye, expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering support, describing the establishment of the university as a landmark achievement for both the state and the country.
Banye said: “Your interventions, including the provision of classrooms, laboratories, offices, and 200 hectares of land for the permanent site, reflect your passion for infrastructure, quality education, and healthcare.
“This university will not only produce generations of competent medical professionals but also strengthen healthcare delivery and contribute to socio-economic growth”.
He disclosed that the institution, established on March 6, 2023, was preparing for the National Universities Commission (NUC) resource verification, which would enable it to admit students into Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.
The Pro- Chancellor appealed for more government’s assistance to meet the critical accreditation requirements as well as support for infrastructure such as access roads, drainage, fencing, hostels, and power supply.
Banye commended Governor Oborevwori’s foresight and leadership, expressing confidence that with his continued support, the University would grow into a center of excellence and a national model for effective medical education.
