The newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), is scheduled to begin its academic session in September, according to its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade.
He disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the university’s Governing Council to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. The council was led by its Chairman, Dr. Usman Muhammed Shanawa.
Arogundade explained that academic activities would temporarily take place at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), starting with programmes in medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields. He added that preparations were in top gear to ensure a smooth take-off.
“The university is going to take off in September, every other thing being equal,” he said. “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 further stated that officials from the National Universities Commission (NUC) were expected soon for a verification exercise that would determine the number of students the university can admit based on available infrastructure.
“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 said. “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.”
Earlier, Shanawa praised the management of FMC and acknowledged the efforts of its Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, for his commitment to making the university a reality.
He proposed converting the FMC into a teaching hospital to serve FUMMSA, rather than establishing a new one, noting the country’s economic constraints.
Prof. Musa-Olomu pledged his continued support for the institution’s progress.
“I’m ready to offer myself in any capacity the university will need my assistance. I’m available,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the university would evolve into a center of excellence in medical education and research. He also urged the governing council to formally request the federal government to upgrade FMC Abeokuta to a teaching hospital.
(NAN)