In a bold stride toward expanding access to quality medical education in Nigeria, Thomas Adewumi University hosted a resource verification team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) yesterday, for its proposed Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor of Radiography and Radiation Science programmes, the first of its kind in Kwara South Senatorial District.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, described the event as the culmination of years of strategic growth, made possible by the ongoing support and guidance of the NUC. “The foundation laid by the NUC in accrediting our previous programmes in human anatomy, physiology, public health, and environmental health sciences has now matured into the bold step of launching full medical degree programmes,” she said.
Emphasizing on the programme as the first of its kind in the region, she appealed to the NUC team to view the resource verification not simply as an evaluation, but as an opportunity to support and mentor a young but determined institution with a transformative vision. Also, she acknowledged the support of the Kwara State Government, particularly the Ministry of Health, for facilitating the transition of the Omu-Aran General Hospital into Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Musiliu Odunnaya, welcomed the NUC team to Kwara State and applauded TAU’s vision which aligns with the government’s commitment to high-quality medical education and improved healthcare access.
“This resource verification exercise is a defining step in our collective pursuit of academic excellence and improved healthcare access, as it perfectly aligns with the vision of the State Governor, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to centralize tertiary care and promote specialized training,” he said.
Following the formal addresses, the Provost of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, Prof. A.B.O. Omotosho, introduced the college’s academic team, which includes respected professionals such as Prof. Ademola Popoola, Prof. S.A Kuranga, Prof. Oseju, Prof. Florence Olatunji, Prof. Oyewopo, and several others from disciplines spanning physiology, neurology, public health, and biochemistry.
In response, the team lead for the NUC delegation, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Gombe State University, Professor Mohammed Manga, commended the vision driving the institution’s proposed programmes and the calibre of professionals leading the effort, while noting the scope of the exercise.
“This university is laying a strong foundation, and from what we’ve seen, it has the potential to produce graduates who will not only excel in practice but also become thought leaders in the health sector. We look forward to offering constructive feedback that will further strengthen this promising initiative.”
The resource verification exercise included a guided tour of key facilities, including the Gross Anatomy Laboratory, Teaching classrooms, university Library, Medical Laboratories, and affiliated Healthcare centers, including the Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital and Oko Medical Centre. The session concluded with a preliminary feedback meeting where observations and recommendations were shared for further improvement.
Other dignitaries present included the Deputy Director of Medical Services and Training at the Kwara Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephen Arigidi, as well as NUC officials and resource persons including Prof. Hayatudeen Umar, Prof. Abdullahi A. (Nasarawa State University), and Alhaji Musa Alkali, along with senior members of TAU’s management team.
As Thomas Adewumi University awaits final clearance from the NUC, the institution stands at the threshold of a new chapter, poised to emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for medical training and innovation, while advancing the frontiers of higher education and healthcare excellence in Kwara South and beyond.
