From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi on Friday in Lokoja inaugurated a-17-Man Steering Committee to begin groundwork for the establishment of a Medical Sciences Programme in the University.
Professor Akinwumi while performing the ceremony at the University Council Chamber on Friday, said the inauguration followed the approval of the Senate to establish Medical and Engineering Courses in the institution at its sixty-one (Special) Meeting held at the University on Thursday.
The VC said that the committee members were appointed based on their academic track records, naming Professor Mike Ozovehe Ogirima of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as Coordinator/Chairman and Mr. Usman Abdul Kadir as Secretary.
The terms of reference for the committee according to the VC include; Provision of requirements needed to scale through the Resource Verification as laid down by the National Universities Commission(NUC) and to Develop the required Curriculum to meet the standard best practice for the programme.
Others are: “Design a model that will not put the graduates at a disadvantage if they want to go into academics, Advice on how to attain the minimum manpower/staff required for the take-off of the programme in the University, Work towards adopting the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja as the Teaching Hospital, and advice on any other matter that will assist in the successful establishment of the programme.”
Prof. Akinwumi said that the committee is expected to conclude its assignment and present its report within six weeks of their inauguration adding “all things being equal, the Medical College will commence operation next academic session.”
Responding on behalf of the committee members, the Coordinator/Chairman of the committee, Professor Mike Ogirima promised to live up to expectation to deliver the assignment on time.
Professor Ogirima also assured that the committee will not relent in making necessary Professional contacts that will bring about the smooth take-off of the Medical College.
