Federal University of Medicine, Abeokuta set to commence academic session in September
The Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), which was recently created, is scheduled to start its academic session in September, according to its vice chancellor, Professor Fatiu Arogundade.
Arogundade made this known during a courtesy visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Idi-Aba Abeokuta, which the university’s Governing Council, led by its chairman, Dr Usman Muhammed Shanawa, carried out.
He explained that the university would initially launch its academic activities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) premises, offering programmes in medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields.
He gave an assurance that adequate arrangements were being made to ensure a smooth commencement of academic activities.
“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 stated.
“There will be an 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 added.
Earlier in the visit, Shanawa praised the FMC leadership.
He also expressed his appreciation for the Medical Director, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu, highlighting his perseverance, commitment, and unwavering efforts in making the establishment of the university a reality.
Shanawa proposed that the FMC should be converted into a teaching hospital to support the university, rather than setting up a completely new one, noting that “we all know how things are in the country economically.”
In his contribution, Professor Musa-Olomu promised to continue supporting the development and advancement of the university.
“I’m ready to offer myself in any capacity the university will need my assistance. I’m available,” he affirmed.
The FMC medical director noted that it would be a great achievement for all stakeholders to witness FUMMSA become a premier institution for medical education and research, both in Nigeria and globally.
He urged the governing council to formally request the federal government to upgrade FMC, Abeokuta, to a teaching hospital.
