Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences has berthed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, following the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari to the establishment Bill.

Source - NASS

The bill, 'An act to provide for the establishment of Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences Abeokuta, Ogun State and for Matters connected therewith, 2021 (SB. 26)' was sponsored by the former Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate since June, 2022, HorizonTimes gathered, was signed into law by the President, about six weeks ago.

The passage of the bull followed the report presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health and Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Umar Sadiq.

According to Senator Sadiq, the consideration of the Committee was hinged on the need to create more access to higher education in the field of medical sciences.

According to him, the eventual establishment of the university will attract people to Abeokuta via provision of higher educational academic and professional programme to Nigerians seeking to study in the field of medicine and allied professional disciplines.

According to the bill, a copy of which was assessed by HorizonTimes, the University will encourage the advancement of learning holds out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in Medicine and other Health Sciences.

The University is also to develop and offer academic and professional programs leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, technical, maintenance, developmental and productive skills in the field of Medicine, biomedical

engineering, scientific, and allied professional disciplines relating to health resources.

It also aimed at with the aim improve practitioners and develop new ones and to contribute to the scientific transformation of medical and other health practices in Nigeria.

"To act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilization, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria's natural, economic and human resources;

"To offer to the general population, as a form of public service, the results of training and research in medicine and allied disciplines and to foster the practical application of those results;

"To identify the health problems and needs of Nigeria and to find solutions to them within the context of overall national development;

"To provide and promote sound basic scientific training as a foundation for the development of medicine and allied disciplines, taking into account indigenous culture, the need to enhance national unity, the need to vastly increase the practical content of student training, and adequate preparation of graduates for self-employment in medicine and allied professions," the objectives read in part.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, had commended President Buhari, for signing the bill into law.

According to a letter personally signed by the paramount ruler, he, on behalf of the entire people of Egbaland at home and Diaspora, expressed his profound gratitude to the President Buhari for his consent for the newly established university.

Oba Gbadebo said, “Mr. President, your gesture underscores your love for humanity, especially to the Egba people. Assuredly, your name shall be immortalised in the kingdom’s Hall of Fame as a harbinger of education and capacity development.”

He concluded by expressing his esteemed regards on behalf of his subjects, to President Buhari whose signature in the Establishment Act 2023 and its statutory pronouncement, added value to his domain.