THE newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA) is to begin academic session in September, its vice chancellor, Professor Fatiu Arogundade, has said.
Arogundade dropped the hint during a courtesy visit of the university’s Governing Council led by the chairman, Dr Usman Muhammed Shanawa, to the Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba Abeokuta, recently.
Arogundade said that the university would temporarily commence its academic programmes at the premises of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) with medicine, nursing and some other medical related courses.
He assured that all necessary logistics were being put in place towards ensuring a seamless take-off.
“The university is going to take off in September, all other things being equal.
“We do not know what our carrying capacity will be, but definitely we’re going to start with Medicine, Nursing, Medical Rehabilitation and some others,” he said.
Arogundade revealed that officials from the National Universities Commission (NUC) were expecting “any moment from now” for a verification exercise.
“There will be a NUC verification visit; they will guide us on the number of students we can admit, especially now that we have limited facilities.
“We are going to be using facilities provided to us by FUNAAB. Definitely, we do not expect that they will give us all their hostels or lecture rooms.
“In essence, whatever our carrying capacity will accommodate will determine the number of courses and students we are going to start with,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Shanawa commended the management of the FMC.
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He also expressed admiration for the Medical Director, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu, for his determination, doggedness and relentless efforts in ensuring the dream of bringing the university to existence finally came to pass.
Shanawa advocated converting the FMC to a teaching hospital status to serve the university rather than to start another teaching hospital, adding, “we all know how things are in the country economically.”
In his remarks, Professor Musa-Olomu pledged his continued support for the university’s growth and development.
“I’m ready to offer myself in any capacity the university will need my assistance. I’m available,” he said.
The FMC medical director said that it would be the joy of all stakeholders to see FUMMSA become a leading institution in medical education and research in Nigeria and globally.
He appealed to the governing council to send a request to the federal government to consider upgrading the FMC, Abeokuta, to a teaching hospital.
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