Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-orangun, Thursday, matriculated 673 students for the 2023/2024 academic session. CityMirrorNews reports that the matriculation ceremony was the second edition of the university, which was established in 2021......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
However, the matriculation also witnessed the investiture of Alhaji Ibrahim Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the Sheu of Dikwa, as the pioneer chancellor of the university in Ila-Orangun.
The Matriculation which took place at the University Ceremony Arena was attended by students, parents, members of the academia, leaders of religious organizations, people from all walks of life.
While presenting his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Akeem Olawale Lasisi, expressed joy and satisfaction over the innovations and breakthrough recorded in the institution within a short period of time, saying that its excellent academic performance has placed the University on a global map.
Prof Lasisi emphasized that the university would continuously challenge the students to ensure they can compete with their peers globally in the fields of research and healthcare delivery.
He hinted that the institution is poised to produce graduates who are worthy both in character and learning.
He, however, urged the matriculating students to be diligent in their studies to justify the labour of their parents.
“I am addressing this convocation at a remarkable juncture, not only in the history of the University which was established in the year 2021 but also in the history of my administration which commenced with the Academic calendar in the year 2022
“I want to commend the effort of the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointing the First Chancellor for the Federal University of Health Sciences, la-Orangun. This appointment came at the right time because my administration requires the pedigree, strength, and support of Your Royal Majesty as the First Chancellor to move our great citadel of learning to intemational prominence.
“I congratulate you, sir, for being the choice of the Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I wish your Royal Majesty a meritorious tenure as you contribute to the development of the
nation’s tertiary education.
This University is lucky to have your Royal Majesty and we look forward to benefiting from your wealth of experience and diverse exposure in the building of our budding University.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted that out of the 2069 candidates who applied to the university, only 673 were admitted into 13 programmes of the university.
He said: “I must especially felicitate with the female students who constituted the majority this year. The admitted female students are 429 and this accounts for 63.7% of the total 673.
“This is a confirmation that our University has keyed, from the onset, into the era of the advocacy for girl-child education and female leadership.
“To all the matriculating students, I urge you to be diligent in your studies to justify the labour of your parents. I also urge you to work hard to achieve your set goals in life; be sure that the world is waiting for your critical input to improve science and humanity.”
“Let me take this opportunity to emphasise that, as a University, we place a high premium on character, and I, therefore, urge you to eschew all forms of vices and negativity as our University has zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.”
Speaking, the Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar El-Kanemi urged the matriculating students to embrace every opportunity that comes their way, enjoining them to seize the moment , dare to dream big and never underestimate the power their potential.
“Remember, success as is not just measured by grades or accolades. It’s about the person you become a long way-the resilience you build in the face of challenges, the empathy you show towards others; and the passion you bring to everything you do”
Al-Amin El-Kanemi, after his investiture, pledged to serve diligently and advocate for academic pursuits.
He, therefore, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as the Chancellor of the university, describing his appointment as a great honor.
Earlier in his lecture, Prof. Adewale Akinsola (Emeritus), said the new trend of setting up specialised medical universities was conceivably a critical strategy to confront the serious and formidable challenges in the health care delivery .
Akinsola, spoke on the topic”
Leveraging on the Emergence of Specialised Medical Universities to Bridge the Performance Gaps in Nigeria’s Healthcare Delivery”.
The don said that there was a frequent attrition of the personnel through the famous “JAPA syndrome”.
” In the last one or two years, over 2000 health professionals, including doctors/nurses/physiotherapist and laboratory scientists have been affected.
” We should harness the potentials of the specialised medical university to build a resilient, responsive and effective health community, with good health indices, contributing to the socio-economic well-being of the nation”, he said.
The 673 admitted students later took matriculation oath with a promise to be of good behaviour.