FG launches 11 projects at Osun Health Sciences University

New Infrastructure Projects Boost Medical Education at Federal University of Health Sciences

On Friday, the Federal University of Health Sciences in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, witnessed the inauguration of 11 significant projects by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. The event was graced by several notable figures, including former Osun State Governor Adebisi Akande, the state Commissioner for Education Dipo Eluwole, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedokun, and the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

Government Focus on Medical Training and Clinical Facilities

During the ceremony, Dr Alausa underscored the federal government’s commitment to expanding medical training institutions and enhancing clinical learning environments. He highlighted the importance of the newly inaugurated facilities, which include a Senate Building, university library, lecture theatres, faculty auditorium, university gate, multidisciplinary research library, health centre, teaching hospital, and three additional projects.

Alausa emphasized that these facilities, if utilized effectively, would significantly improve the quality of training, research, and healthcare delivery in Nigeria. He pointed out that a strong medical education system not only reduces reliance on foreign medical care but also curbs medical tourism. Additionally, it strengthens public health systems to respond to both local and global health crises, drives biomedical research and innovation, creates high-skilled jobs, attracts investment into the health economy, and ensures a healthy, productive population essential for national development.

He added that medical education is “a national security priority.” This sentiment aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s consistent emphasis on expanding medical training institutions, improving clinical learning environments, and modernizing health sciences infrastructure.

University Progress and Challenges

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Prof Akeem Lasisi, shared insights about the institution’s progress. Established in 2021, the university currently offers 13 academic programs with a total student population of 3,493. Lasisi noted that the 11 projects being inaugurated are funded by TETFund and federal appropriations, and most of the infrastructures are already in use, contributing to the success of the recent NUC accreditation exercise.

However, the VC also highlighted pressing challenges, particularly the need for a reliable power source. He explained that the university requires inverters and solar power as alternative energy sources, given the rising cost of diesel. Lasisi called for the minister’s intervention to address this issue.

Strategic Goals for Institutional Development

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the university, Prof Wale Sulaiman, represented by Dr Yakub Awba, outlined the institution’s strategic goals. He emphasized the importance of laying strong foundations for the university to compete globally. Key priorities include infrastructure development, such as road networks, a serene university environment, clean energy electricity, internet connectivity, IT infrastructure, employee and student welfare, and the transition to e-governance.

Sulaiman also donated two mini-buses to ease transportation challenges at the university. He urged the elite class in the country to work towards a better Nigeria by providing good leadership, stressing that their commitment would have a tangible, positive impact on the nation.