•As PUMS Confers Honorary PhD On Gov
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration is committed to working assiduously towards providing a safer environment for all residents, while creating opportunities to foster prosperity and accelerated transformation across sectors.
The Governor said that despite the senseless political distractions, he is more resolved as always, to leave behind convincing development strides and legacies that will surpass what he inherited.
Governor Fubara spoke at the 4th convocation ceremony of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) held at the institution’s auditorium in Iriebe Community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Friday.
At the event, Governor Fubara inaugurated the state-of-the-art Medical Library with e-library facilities, while the former head of State and Chancellor of the School, General Abdulsalami Abubakar Commissioned the 500-capacity Sir Siminalayi Fubara Lecture Theatre.
Governor Fubara was also awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his immense and significant contributions to the institution and to society.
The Governor said: “We are making and also advancing the course of peace, security and unbiased development in our State as everyone can see and attest to our genuine interest for the State.
“Our mandate is to work with our people to transform our State and communities to a level where we can secure, and enjoy the greatest standards of security, peace and prosperity from the responsible and responsive management of our collective God-given resources.
“While we feel disturbed by the senseless distractions, I wish to assure everyone that we remain focused on the ball, committed more than ever, to deliver on our mandate, and leave the State far better than where we met it.”
He commended the former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili for his foresight in establishing the institution, which he said, stands as a testament of giving back to society while providing excellent medical educational training to young Nigerians.
The Governor added, “Reputed to be the first private medical university in Nigeria, PUMS’s acclaimed mission of providing ‘excellent medical training for the production of world-class medical and health science professionals characterized by the core values of knowledge, discipline and human service’ clearly resonates with that statement that PAMO is prepared, ready and is delivering to Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.
“In this era where the standards of education in our universities are declining, PUMS has established itself as an island of excellence in medical education and training in Nigeria.
“Indeed, only a few medical universities and colleges in this country can boast of the record-breaking progress PUMS has recorded in a few years.”
Governor Fubara promised that the State Government will sustain the partnership with the institution to strengthen the quality of medical education that will further accelerate the transformation of the healthcare delivery system for the better life of the people and the nation.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the Governing Council of the institution for considering him for the award of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), which he described as not only fulfilling but humbling in recognition of the modest contributions made in healthcare and education.
Governor Fubara also tasked the graduands to use the specialized knowledge, skills and training they have been given to advance their professional careers, earn decent living and contribute to human progress to the best of their capabilities.
In his remarks, Pro-Chancellor and Founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Dr Peter Odili said the institution, which has existed for seven years, and has celebrated four convocation ceremonies, has now graduated a total of 223 certified graduands found worthy in character and learning.
Dr Odili expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for offering automatic employment to all 76 graduands awarded degrees at the 4th convocation ceremony while urging the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution, treat their patients with dignity, love and great care.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, commended Governor Fubara for not only continuing with the scholarship scheme but increased it from 100 to 150 students, a commitment, he said, reflects the attention to healthcare delivery that is very inspiring.
Abubakar said the institution has been consistent in increasing physical structures that include lecture halls, library, hostels and other learning facilities that have made teaching and learning more conducive for both staff and students.
In her speech, Acting Vice Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Prof. Christie Mato, explained that the institution has full accreditation for all academic courses in the four faculties secured from National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies.
Of the 76 graduands, Prof Mato said, three are awarded First Class Honours; 23 awarded Second Class Honours (Upper Division); 25 Second Class Honours (Lower Division); and 25 with Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees.
