ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the smooth take-off of the newly established Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, describing it as a legacy project that will advance education and healthcare delivery in the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the Governing Council and Management of the university, led by its Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Salisu Banye, at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori commended the progress made so far by the institution, urging the pioneers to demonstrate sacrifice, dedication, and resilience in laying a solid foundation for the university. “As pioneers, you carry the heavy responsibility of putting this university on a solid footing. The task ahead demands sacrifice, hard work, commitment, dedication, resourcefulness, and selflessness. I am impressed with the progress you have made so far, and I encourage you to sustain the momentum,” he said.
The governor assured that his administration would provide the needed infrastructure and logistics to aid the take-off. He revealed that his government had approved the use of the General Hospital, Kwale, as a temporary Teaching Hospital, while measures were underway to extend electricity supply to the campus.
Oborevwori also recalled how limited admission opportunities in the past had compelled the state to establish more universities during his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly. “Today, Delta is the only state in Nigeria with four state-owned universities, all thriving and reducing pressure on admissions. With this new federal university, more opportunities will be created for our children,” he stated.
The governor underscored Delta’s rising profile as an education hub, citing the recent global debate victory by public school students in Doha, Qatar, as evidence of the state’s investment in quality education. He further promised to provide a 30-seater bus to the university.
Earlier, Dr. Banye expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support, describing the institution as a landmark achievement for both Delta and Nigeria. He noted the governor’s interventions, including classrooms, laboratories, offices, and 200 hectares of land for the permanent site, as a demonstration of his passion for education and healthcare.
“This university will not only produce generations of competent medical professionals but also strengthen healthcare delivery and contribute to socio-economic growth,” Banye said.
He disclosed that the university, established on March 6, 2023, was preparing for the National Universities Commission (NUC) resource verification exercise, which would pave the way for admitting students into Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. He appealed for further government assistance to meet accreditation requirements, particularly in the areas of access roads, drainage, fencing, hostels, and power supply.
Banye commended Oborevwori’s foresight and leadership, expressing confidence that with continued support from the state government, the university would become a centre of excellence and a national model for medical education.
