Ogun Donates Model College for New Federal University of Medical Sciences, Abeokuta

ABEOKUTA, Ogun State – The newly established Federal University of Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), is set to take off with a significant boost, following the donation of the state model college at Onijaganjagan by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. This announcement was made by Governor Abiodun on Saturday during the official commissioning of capital projects at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta.

The Governor’s gesture comes as a timely intervention for the nascent university, which faced initial challenges regarding a suitable take-off facility. Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun highlighted the crucial need for collaboration between state and federal governments, noting that this marks the second such donation his administration has made to the health sector.

“My brother and Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, drew my attention to the takeoff issues the newly approved University of Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, was facing,” Governor Abiodun explained. “He shared that the initial funding provided might only suffice for fencing the green location. He requested that perhaps the state could donate an existing facility to enable this new university to take off.”

After consultations, the state government decided to donate the model college at Onijaganjagan. “I am proud today to announce the donation of the model college at Onijaganjagan to be used as a takeoff structure for this new University of Health Sciences, Abeokuta,” the Governor affirmed.

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This strategic move is expected to accelerate the commencement of academic activities at FUMMSA, which is reportedly set to begin its academic session in September this year. The Vice-Chancellor of FUMMSA, Professor Fatiu Arogundade, had previously indicated that the university would temporarily use facilities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), to commence its programs, including medicine and nursing, while logistical arrangements were being put in place.

Governor Abiodun emphasized his administration’s commitment to healthcare, viewing it as a fundamental human right. He reiterated that the Ogun State Government would continue to invest in primary and secondary health infrastructure, recognizing a healthy population as essential for a productive and prosperous society. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform-driven approach to the health sector, noting the strengthening of the primary health system and expanded health insurance coverage.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, praised the commissioned projects at FMC, stating they would further position the hospital as a center for medical excellence. He underscored the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and its Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare services across all levels.

Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, expressed his delight at the progress of FMC since its inception, acknowledging that his decision to hand over the facility to the federal government in 1993, despite initial opposition, has proven beneficial.

Dr. Dayo Israel, Chairman of the FMC Management Board, affirmed the hospital’s readiness to meet 21st-century health needs with its state-of-the-art facilities. Outgoing Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, highlighted significant achievements during his eight-year tenure, including numerous awards and the performance of 40 percent of open-heart surgeries in Nigeria, alongside the birth of the Medical University in Abeokuta. The commissioning ceremony included a Works and Maintenance Building, a 400,000-liter Braithwaite Water Reservoir, an 180-bed Abdul-Azeez Sanusi-Amosun Ward building, an Anatomic Pathology building, a House Officers Building, and an Oxygen Plant.