ECHOES FROM FUHSO 2ND MATRICULATION CEREMONY

Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, (FUHSO), had on Saturday 27th May 2023, held its 2nd Matriculation Ceremony for its students for the 2021/2022 academic Session at the Government Reserved Area, (G.R.A.), Campus of the University, Otukpo. The venue of the ceremony was filled to capacity. Guests, staff, and the Matriculating students as early as 9. 00 am, were seated and eagerly awaiting for the commencement of the all-important ceremony.

The atmosphere was convivial, the aura was that of mirth, pleasantries, and celebration as the students, resplendently adorned in their matriculation gowns and wore cheerful looks as they anticipated the arrival of the Vice Chancellor and his train.

The procession comprised the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Innocent Ujah, OON, mni, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic, Prof. Stephen Abah, and his Administration counterpart, Prof Ediga Agbo, Registrar – Mallam Aminu Abba, FIMC, Bursar, Mr. John Aba, University Librarian, Dr. Kathryn Philip, and Provost, College of Medicine – Prof. Oladapo Shittu.

Others included, the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science, Dr.Oludare Agboola, HOD, Physics, Prof. Friday Okibe, Deputy Director, Academic Planning and Control, Professor Silvanus Okpe, Acting Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Michael Efu, Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, Dr. Rose Abah, and many others. It was indeed a full complement of the crème de la crème of the University.

In his address of welcome, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, CPC, Prof. Stephen Abah thanked parents, guests, and friends of the University, staff, and others who took time off their busy schedules to honour the matriculating students. He appreciated the VC and members of the Planning Committee for their doggedness and resilience in making the Ceremony a success.

In his opening speech, the VC apologized to the matriculating students for the Matriculation Ceremony coming behind schedule. He attributed the lateness to exigencies which the University had no control over. The University Boss acknowledged the successes recorded thus far by the University under his watch to the crops of dedicated management staff.

Prof Ujah stated that the milestones recorded thus far were attributable to many worthy sons of Idomaland including the former President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator David Mark, GCON, Executive Secretary, Tetfund – Architect Sony Echono, APA Education Foundation, Chaired by the revered Prof. Ochapa Onazi, OON, Prof. Owoicho Akpa – Director of Academic Planning and Control of FUHSO, and Prof. John Idoko, former Director-General, NACA among others. He pointed out that these illustrious Sons of Idomaland were singled out for recognition because of their penchant for the socio-economic and educational development of the entire Zone C. He further harped on the need for Sons and daughters of Idoma extraction to rally around their well-meaning individuals in positions of authority to succeed and shun the primordial sentiments widely associated with some segments of Idoma Society to “pull down” their very best.

Also, the University helmsman was emphatic, stating that FUHSO has zero tolerance for bribery, admission racketeering, cultism, secret society, sex for marks, sexual harassment, academic plagiarism, sale of handouts, and other anti-social behaviours. He maintained that teaching, and non-teaching staff whose characters fall below the University standards, especially in article six as spelt out in their appointment letters would be shown the exit door. He appealed to the matriculated students to earn their Degrees, noting that, there are no shortcuts to earning Degrees in FUHSO. He reminded them that their Degrees would be awarded to them based on Character and Learning.

While reeling out achievements within 3 years under his saddle, the untiring VC pointed out critical infrastructures such as the road network in Otada, provision of water, construction, and upgrades of office accommodation, acquisition and remodeling of what was formerly known as “Double K Hotel” to FUHSO G.R.A. Campus. He applauded the efforts of Arch. Sony Echono and Sen. David Mark for ceding the Take-off Campus, Otada, and G.R.A. Campus respectively.

The Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Consultant Obstetrician and gynecological Surgeon, could not hide his admiration for the support the University enjoyed from the Paramount Ruler of Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty, HRM, Och’ Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu in the area of peace and tranquility within and around Otukpo metropolis.

He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the invaluable roles they played in making the University a reality. Former Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom was not left out as he was commended for ceding the General Hospital, Otukpo, to serve as the take-off Teaching Hospital for the University.

Another worthy son of Idoma Nation commended by the VC, was Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, for his magnanimous donation of a state-of-the-art Kidney and Dialysis Centre to FUHSO, and was quick to add by letting the cat out of the bag by informing that the philanthropist pledged to build, equip and hand over a Urology Centre in no distant time.

For a man whose mantra is race against time, maintained, to the admiration of guests that all necessary infrastructures have been put in place for the smooth take-off of School of Remedial Studies. He assured that work is ongoing at the Permanent site of the University at Akwete- Akpa, positing that the Senate, Administrative, and College of Medicine buildings were vigorously under construction.

Prof. submitted to the cheering applause of the audience that the College of Medicine’s Auditorium would upon completion be the largest in the country. Adding that challenges in students’ Hostel, Principal Officers’ quarters, and office space amongst others would be laid to rest. Remodeling of Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Museum in Community Medicine were at the advanced stages of completion, stressing that two unit mini-lecture halls at Otada Campus were under construction, while drilling of boreholes, and water tank has since been completed.

However, the VC maintained that funding poses a major challenge, and therefore, appealed to philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians and friends of the University to emulate Chief Obla’s gesture.

On academic achievements, the indefatigable VC stated that the University had applied to the NUC to introduce Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Bio-informatics, Nutrition, and Dietetics, assuring the excited audience that once NUC gives the nod, windows of admission would be flung open.

In the area of partnership, Prof Ujah noted that under his watch, the University signed an MOU with Emory University, Atlanta, Northwestern University, Chicago, and the University of Jos, adding that the University had written to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN), for advisory visits and accreditation.

While congratulating the Matriculated students, the VC advised them to be diligent with their studies and shun all anti-social vices capable of truncating their dreams, urging them not to betray the confidence reposed in them by their parents, friends, and the society at large.

The high point of the Ceremony was the Oath taking which was conducted by the University’s legal officers which formally ushered the students into FUHSO.

The phrase, all work without play, makes Jack a dull Boy becomes apt, to this end, Amodu Joseph, a student of FUHSO, thrilled the crowd with a song titled: “Love for God”. The second presentation was by a collection of students from different departments, christen “New Life Concert”, they also presented a song titled: Nigeria

The VC who was obviously thrilled by the scintillating rendition, stunned the animated and ecstatic audience that he was a Director of Socials as a University undergraduate. He, however, advised the matriculated students to strike a balance between academics and social activities, noting that as a student, he was careful not to relegate his studies to the background. He promised to consult with the University management to come up with prizes to encourage the budding artistes-cum-scientists.

While delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. Ediga Agbo acknowledged God’s benevolence in making the matriculation a reality, congratulated the VC for the successes the University has recorded, and commended the sacrifices made by Principal Officers, Staff, and parents who had taken time off their busy schedules to witness the momentous occasion in the academic odyssey of their children and wards. Over 150 students were matriculated.