The College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan (COMUI), has lamented the dwindling support of the government in the provision of funds, facilities, and infrastructure in the institution, stressing that the situation is getting worse by the day, which is making the learning environment difficult for the students.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, on behalf of UI Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale and the College Provost, Professor Olayinka O. Omigbodun at the occasion of the induction ceremony of 34 students into the Physiotherapy profession for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy graduating class of 2023, the College Deputy Provost, Professor Prof. Fatai Adeniyi, called on all and sundry to donate toward various projects in the college.
According to him, the Federal Government has maintained its unwillingness to build additional hostels for the students, hence, the College embarked on building hostels that could accommodate all its students.
Toward the project, the College started a fundraising about three years ago and several alumni have contributed, but the project still require huge amount of money for completion.
He said the alumni have contributed 1.3 million dollars and N300 million out of N2.5 billion initially estimated for the project, calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the college by donating for the completion of the project.
He also called on good-hearted Nigerians to be part of the “Sponsor A Student Programme” (SASP), pointing out that the initiative is keeping students who are indigents in school.
Urging the inductees to be hardworking, reliable, selfless, responsible, and loyal, he admonished them to have the habit of giving back to their alma mater.
Reminding them that they have received the best training from the first and the best university in Nigeria, he urged them to maintain the good name of the institution by being good ambassadors of the university.
His words, “To the inductees, we wish you well and success. Wherever you go, you are the ambassadors of this institution and we expect the best from you because, if it is coming from UI, it should be the best.”
Speaking in the same direction, the President of Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Professor Dipo Otolorin congratulated the inductees for surviving education in Nigeria. “When I was a student, things were much cheaper but now, things are much more difficult”, he remarked.
He emphasized that the only way to support the College to keep up the good work of providing qualitative education to medical students is by supporting the Sponsor A Student Programme and the hostels’ building project.
Noting that while a 15 percent budgetary allocation is recommended to the health sector by world health organisations, the Nigerian government gives only five percent to the sector.
Otolorin condemned the attitude of the Nigerian government towards health and education, saying that low budgetary allocation is responsible for infrastructure decay in Nigerian universities.
Stressing that Nigerian political leaders have demonstrated a lack of interest in education, he urged the new inductees to be ambitious in seeking political offices so that they could turn things better for the health sector.
He urged them to go into the legislative arm, Senate and House of Representatives, and ensure that laws that would prioritize education and health sectors are enacted, rather than traveling abroad for greener pastures.
His words, “I want you to “JAPA” to the Senate and House of Representatives. We need to be at the table where decisions are made. The legislators do not care about education. We need you to be where decisions are taken. Go to the Senate and House of Representatives. It is your future. Do not let other people ruin your future. You must participate. I hope you will bring a solution to Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Acting Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, Dr Adesola C. Odole, who could not hide her joy, congratulated the inductees, saying “This is a momentous event that marks the beginning of your professional journey and I extend my warmest congratulations to every one of you (the Stalwarts ’23 Set), a very unique name depicting strong will and resilience, with a biblical backing.”
She noted that the set is full of a variety of exceptional talent like Delight of Ajoke makeovers, Esther of Sweetme treats, Oluwaseyifunmi of OSF brand, Nneoma of Nneoma Luxury Hair, Temidayo of Ceniza souture/totes, Boluwatife of Bolba foods, Emmanuel of All your ventures, Adeniyi of Neyux shoe brand design as well as other talents of orators, marketers, public health advocates, writers and tech bros and sis.
Her words, “Throughout your years of study, you have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to learning and a passion for the field of physiotherapy. Your perseverance, sacrifices, and countless hours of studying have shaped you into competent individuals ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who seek your care.”
She charged them to embrace the responsibility being entrusted to them with the utmost professionalism, empathy and integrity.
While congratulating the inductees for completing their courses and witnessing the induction, the Registrar of Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB), Dr. Olufunke T. Akande, represented by Deputy Director/HOD Institute, MRBT, Mrs. Dumebi-Ndika Benedicta, emphasized that the induction into the physiotherapy profession has imposed on them the challenges of having to henceforth, stand tall in integrity, be impeccable in character, be professional in service, be alert to global trends and to uphold high ethical and professional standard.
“I, therefore, urge you to strive at all times to make your profession proud. You must also do yourselves and your families proud, armed with the skills and knowledge you have attained. … I charge you to reach for greatness. Nigerians await you and need your expertise”, she said.
The two professional elders, Professor A. R. A. Adedoyin and Dr (Mrs) Mojisola Akinwola urged the inductees to uphold the principles of ethics and confidentiality.
They also urged them not to part ways with their teachers and their professional mentors. “Don’t leave your teachers. You must continue to learn from the experience of people. Stay with your teachers and let them mentor you”, Adedoyin added.
Akinwola pointed out that patients’ education is key to treatment and the new doctors should have the ability to understand the feelings of their patients.
In her speech, the valedictorian, and best-graduating student, Dorcas Oluwayemo Adeyemo, on behalf of the graduands gave gratitude to God, who makes all things beautiful in due time.
She said, “It was just like yesterday, but it has been six years and numerous moments between the twinkle of that eye. The boundless joy we felt when we came upon our names while scrolling through the admission list in 2016, the excitement of new beginnings we could not hide as freshers, even when we lost our ways while touring the corners of the university, the daily hustle and bustle in 200 level when we had to take courses all around the university and our dissecting room experiences. … then came the year of finality, the cumulative postings, our project work, and final examinations where we had to satisfy our examiners and truly earn this degree. … we came, we saw, we fought the good fight and now we have overcome.”
She encouraged members of her set to put in their best, noting that the physiotherapy profession is a noble and prestigious one, of which they are proud to be a part. She reminded them that “to whom much is given, so much is expected.”
Some of the highlights of the event include the presentations of awards as well as scholarships to deserving students.
While Adeyemo went home with four awards including the best graduating student, Oladejo, Emmanuel Oluwaseyi and Akinteye, Zainab Omolara got the provost’s award for excellent participation in community life for male and female categories respectively.
Among the students that benefited from the scholarship given at the occasion are Mutiu Kolawole Ajao, Timileyin Victoria Olanrewaju, Olufemi Jacob Yusuf, Feranmi Peter Oyebola, Abraham Adegoke Ayoade, Bridget Chioma Okpara, Isaac Temidayo Akinruli, Tolulope Helen Oni, Ridwan Lawal, Oyelami Bright Olufemi, and Oluwabukola Ajibade.
