Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday said the effectiveness of any health system is determined by the calibre of its workforce, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing medical education and developing critical human capital.
Speaking in his statutory capacity as Visitor to the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of the institution in Ondo city, Governor Aiyedatiwa restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to education, research and innovation, particularly in the health sector.
He described the convocation as “a celebration of academic excellence and a powerful affirmation of education as the cornerstone of societal development.”
The Governor noted that the graduands were emerging from a specialised institution of global relevance, dedicated to training medical and health professionals who would shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
He recalled that the establishment of UNIMED had been a visionary step that placed Ondo State firmly on the map of medical education and research in Africa.
“Over the years, the institution has continued to justify that vision through steady growth, academic excellence and the production of highly skilled health professionals,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the university’s expanding academic programmes, improved infrastructure, and growing reputation within and outside the country.
Emphasising healthcare as a cornerstone of his administration, the Governor stated that no health system can surpass the calibre of its workforce.
This, he said, informed his government’s sustained support for UNIMED in its mandate to train competent, ethical and compassionate medical professionals.
The Governor recalled that at the 6th Convocation, his administration had promised to construct a Senate Building for the university. He disclosed that the groundbreaking had commenced immediately and construction was underway.
The Governor also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the prompt release of subventions to UNIMED, stating, “Our dear Sunshine State desires a world-class university that can compete favourably with other tertiary institutions globally, both academically and in infrastructural facilities.”
Describing UNIMED as a source of pride to Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged continued collective support for its growth and reiterated his administration’s broader human capital development agenda.
Commending the management and staff for their dedication, professionalism and resilience amid evolving challenges in education and health, the Governor said, “their commitment to maintaining high standards is both admirable and inspiring.”
He also expressed gratitude to Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom and the people of the kingdom for their steadfast support of the university.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged graduands to regard their certificates not merely as credentials, but as calls to service.
He further encouraged them to explore opportunities for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in healthcare, emphasising that the future belonged to those who could combine knowledge, creativity, and integrity to solve real-world problems.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ondo State Government to the continued growth and development of UNIMED, pledging to strengthen it as a centre of excellence in medical education, research and healthcare delivery.
In her keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aderonke Adejuyigbe, said the university had entered a phase of consolidation and maturity.
She revealed that 771 students graduated, comprising 598 undergraduates and 173 postgraduates. Of the undergraduates, 384 obtained classified degrees, including 33 First Class and 267 Second Class Upper Honours, representing over 78 per cent of classified degrees.
She stated the university’s collaboration with the West African College of Surgeons and the West African College of Physicians, which admitted 51 fellows into a PhD programme in January 2024, noting that the graduation of the inaugural candidate marked a new era in academic medicine in West Africa. Family Medicine has since been included in the programme.
Professor Adejuyigbe said staff welfare initiatives included payment of 2019 wage arrears, commencement of the new minimum wage under CONMESS and CONHESS, bonuses and promotions, alongside major infrastructure, digital and solar upgrades, and partnerships with the Canadian Education Council and Mount Carmel College of Nursing, US.
On his part, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof Ayodele Arowojolu, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa and Chancellor Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo Jilo III, for their unwavering support and contributions to the university’s growth.
He disclosed that all academic programmes had secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission and relevant regulatory bodies, noting that the University had produced four sets of medical doctors in 12 years.
In his address, the Chancellor of UNIMED, Oba Victor Kiladejo, charged graduands of the institution to uphold professionalism as they joined Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
He described the occasion as pivotal for graduands, families, the University, Ondo State and the nation, noting the role of new medical professionals in addressing the country’s healthcare shortage.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support, including subvention releases and leadership assurance and appealed for an upward review of monthly funding to sustain staff welfare and academic continuity.
In attendance were; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun; Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo; Chairman, Ondo West Local Government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, LCDA Chairmen; Political Appointees; Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders; top government functionaries.