FUMMSA VC Pays Glowing Tribute to FUNAAB

… As the Institution Gears Up for Maiden Matriculation Ceremony on Thursday

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Olaoye Oyewole

The Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, has paid glowing tributes and profound appreciation to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for its pivotal role in the successful take-off and rapid growth of the young medical Institution.

Speaking at a Press Conference, today November 18, 2025, ahead of FUMMSA’s maiden Matriculation Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2025, Prof. Arogundade described FUNAAB as a “foundational pillar” whose support has positioned FUMMSA among the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria. He noted that FUNAAB’s commitment to expanding educational access and fostering scholarship continues to significantly shape national development.

Prof. Arogundade recalled that FUMMSA was established on February 23, 2023, under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, following a rigorous legislative process that began in June 2018. He emphasised that the university was rooted in the national aspiration to strengthen healthcare delivery, broaden access to quality medical education, and accelerate human capital development.

According to him, “FUMMSA was founded on the principle that quality medical education must be accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, or political background. It represents Nigeria’s commitment to improving national health outcomes, advancing medical knowledge, and nurturing human potential.”

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that medical education goes beyond classroom instruction, describing it as the nurturing of intellect, compassion, and innovation. He said the mission of FUMMSA was to produce highly competent health professionals capable of tackling emerging national and global health challenges through technology-driven and ethical solutions.

He added that the Institution’s vision was to become a leading centre for medical education and research in Africa, distinguished by innovation, ethical practice, and a patient-centred approach. “We seek to nurture reformers, men and women who will redefine healthcare in an increasingly complex world. This spirit is embedded in our institutional culture,” he said.

Prof. Arogundade disclosed that FUMMSA was granted a carrying capacity of 1,000 students, with admissions concluded strictly through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

He also highlighted the university’s growing academic partnerships, including collaborations with the University of Virginia and other global institutions aimed at strengthening curriculum design, research, and student exchange. He expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government and Governor Dapo Abiodun for their outstanding support, particularly the donation of a Model School at Onijanganjangan to FUMMSA as the take-off site. He explained that the 170-hectare land at Ajibayo Town along the Ajebo–Idi-Aba Road, designated as FUMMSA’s permanent site, required urgent development. He, therefore, appealed for endowments, donations, and gifts of facilities and equipment to accelerate the growth of the site.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the urgent need to develop essential infrastructure to meet the regulatory requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and other professional bodies. He noted that 200-level students would soon begin their professional training, requiring facilities such as laboratories, a medical centre, faculty buildings, departmental complexes, and student hostels.

While acknowledging the goodwill already received from government agencies, private organisations, and individuals, Prof. Arogundade appealed for additional support. “The Federal Government alone cannot shoulder the enormous cost of establishing a specialised medical university,” he said, calling on well-meaning Nigerians, particularly indigenes of Ogun State to contribute through donations, infrastructure development, and provision of medical equipment.

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He further urged the media to continue supporting FUMMSA by amplifying its activities and creating public awareness, stressing that strong national visibility would enable the Institution to sustain its mission of becoming a beacon of medical excellence.

Reiterating FUNAAB’s long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge and scholarship in Nigeria, he commended the University for exemplifying the power of inter-institutional support in strengthening the nation’s higher education landscape.

Present at the Conference were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Adebola Ogunbiyi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Badmus; Registrar, Dr. Olukayode Obayomi; Bursar, Mrs. Olufunso Omolola Adedokun, and the University Librarian, Dr. Odunola Agboola, as well as a host of other frontline officers of the Institution, including top media correspondents in Ogun State.