KWALE/Nigeria: A new chapter of opportunity and aspiration opened in Delta State on Wednesday as pioneer students of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, were formally admitted into the institution amid optimism about their future and the role they will play in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, represented by Mrs. Folashade Boriowo, congratulated the students on securing admission into the fledgling institution, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to the ideals of academic excellence and service.
Addressing the matriculants during the maiden ceremony held at the university’s permanent site in Kwale, the minister reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing the institution into a centre of excellence, stressing that they were privileged to be the foundation upon which the university’s legacy would be built.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Salisu Banye, described the pioneer students as courageous pathfinders, noting that their decision to enroll in a newly established institution reflected boldness and vision.
He encouraged them to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), explaining that the scheme was designed to ease the financial burden of their studies and position them for greater opportunities after graduation. According to him, beneficiaries of the programme stand a better chance of securing Federal Government employment, which would also enable them to repay the loans.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abel Onunu, charged the students to uphold the values of discipline, integrity and excellence, assuring them that the university was committed to producing globally competitive graduates who would make meaningful contributions to society.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for sustained funding of the institution, noting that such support has enabled the university to commence academic activities and provide a conducive environment for learning.
Prof. Onunu also acknowledged the contributions of former Deputy Senate President, Barr. Augustine Ovie Omo-Agege, whose efforts, he said, were instrumental in the establishment of the university, adding that the institution has already begun to bring pride and renewed hope to the Ndokwa people.
Highlighting progress made since inception, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university has successfully completed key administrative processes, recruited staff, secured resource verification, admitted its first set of students and commenced academic programmes.
He added that the institution continues to attract support from stakeholders and philanthropists, while infrastructural development at the permanent site is progressing steadily to enhance the learning experience of the students.
The matriculation ceremony also featured an academic lecture delivered by Dr. Austin Avuru, Chairman of AA Holdings and Co-founder and pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Platform Petroleum Limited and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, who inspired the students to embrace innovation and resilience in their academic journey.
The event, coordinated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Nekwu Okolugbo, and the Registrar, Mr. Lucky Ohwojeroh Mustapha, marked a defining moment for the pioneer students as they embark on what many described as a promising path toward professional and personal fulfillment.
