THE Vice Chancellor of the newly approved Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, Professor Abel Onunu, has affirmed that the institution is here to stay. This declaration follows the official presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the university’s permanent site in Kwale to the Federal Ministry of Education by the Delta State Government, dispelling widespread rumours that the university was a scam.
Professor Onunu made this statement during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Traditional Ruler (Oduosa) of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Nzeuku Isaac Obi, following an inspection of the 200 hectares of land donated by the kingdom’s indigenes. The inspection was conducted by a team of officials from the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. “The university has come to stay against the speculation that it was a scam. The federal government has come to see and inspect the land you donated for the university,” Professor Onunu emphasized.
He acknowledged that there is still much work to be done before the university can commence academic activities. However, he expressed confidence in his staff’s ability to meet these challenges and assured that construction would begin on the permanent site as soon as the inspection report is ready.
Professor Onunu also revealed that his office took significant steps to prevent the relocation of the federal institution from Kwale, Ndokwa land, to another area. He noted that the signing of the approval for the university was one of the last actions taken by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 28, 2023, before handing over to the current President Bola Tinubu. “And my name was on the signed document as the Vice Chancellor,” he added.
In an interview with journalists during the official inspection of the permanent site, the President General of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom, Chief Theophillus Adoh, described the ceremony as a significant moment in the history of the Kingdom and the Ndokwa Nation. He emphasized that the visit to the permanent site effectively dispelled rumors that the federal government’s approval of the university was a political gimmick.
Chief Adoh expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Utagba Ogbe and Ndokwa people to the federal government and the inspection team for their visit. He noted that the community had long been in need of a federal institution of higher learning, a demand that had led to numerous appeals, agitations, and visits to both federal and state authorities. It was not until former President Buhari approved the establishment of the university in Ndokwa land that these efforts finally bore fruit.
He also regarded the ceremony as a milestone in the institution’s academic activities, believing that it marked the starting point for admissions and the commencement of academic sessions.
The President General assured journalists that the Utagba Ogbe community would take all necessary measures to protect and promote the university and its prospective infrastructure from vandals. “I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all Ndokwa sons and daughters who have contributed in one way or the other towards the take-off of this institution and appeal to others to do the same.” He noted.
It is worth recalling that during the presentation of the C of O to the federal government in Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oboreveori, represented by Sir Monday Onyeme, pledged to partner with the university to ensure the speedy commencement of academic activities. The 200 hectares of land is designated for the permanent site, while 15 hectares are set aside for the temporary site. Additionally, the state governor handed over the General Hospital, Kwale, as the take-off site for the University Teaching Hospital.
Earlier, Mrs. Rakiya Gambo, Director of Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, who represented the Ministry’s delegation, expressed satisfaction with the permanent and temporary sites, as well as the General Hospital, Kwale. She commended the Delta State Government for its support in presenting the Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Government.
