Abeokuta, Ogun State – The newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences Abeokuta (FUMMSA) is gearing up to commence its academic session by September this year.
This was announced by the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatiu Abiola Arogundade, during a courtesy visit by the University’s Governing Council, led by its Chairman, Dr. Usman Muhammed Shanawa, to the management of the Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
A statement from the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta further stated that :
“Professor Arogundade revealed that the university will temporarily begin its academic programmes on the premises of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)”.
According to Arogundade, the University will start with courses such as Medicine, Nursing and some other medical-related disciplines.
The vice-chancellor assured that all necessary logistical arrangements are being put in place to ensure a smooth take-off.
“The university is going to take off in September, every other thing being equal,” he stated. While the initial carrying capacity is yet to be determined, he confirmed the initial focus on Medicine, Nursing, Medical Rehabilitation, and other related courses.
Professor Arogundade also mentioned that officials from the National Universities Commission (NUC) are expected soon for a crucial verification exercise. “There will be NUC verification visit, they will guide us on the number of students we can admit, especially now that we have limited facilities,” he explained, acknowledging the reliance on facilities provided by FUNAAB.
He clarified that the number of courses and students admitted initially will depend on the available capacity.
Addressing the admission process for foundation students, the Vice Chancellor indicated that FUMMSA anticipates being included in the upcoming JAMB examination. “What I think will happen is that once we get accredited in the NUC’s verification, we expect that we’ll then be taken on by JAMB and candidates can then change to the university.
By next year, definitely, we would have been on the JAMB list for admission.”
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Usman Shanawa, lauded the management of FMCA and particularly the Medical Director, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu, for their dedication in bringing the university to fruition. He directed the university authorities to institute an award in recognition of Professor Olomu’s significant contributions. Dr. Shanawa also advocated for the conversion of the Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, into a teaching hospital for the university, citing the current economic realities.
On his part, Professor Musa-Olomu pledged his unwavering support for the growth and development of FUMMSA, expressing his readiness to assist in any capacity required. He voiced his hope that FUMMSA would become a leading institution in medical education and research, both nationally and globally, and appealed to the Governing Council to urge the federal government to upgrade the Federal Medical Centre to a teaching hospital.
The visit saw the attendance of key principal officers of the university, including the Registrar, Dr. Obayomi Olukayode Gregory, the Bursar, Mrs. Adedokun Omolola Olufunso, and the Librarian, Dr. Idiat Odunola, among others.
