Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State has poured praises on former governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, for establishing the first private university in the State, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, which is now in its fifth year of operation.
He said it was encouraging that after his time as governor, Odili did not retire to Abuja to join the association of former governors but remained in the State to further serve the people.
The governor also said investments made by the State in the university were worth the effort.
Wike said that PAMO University of Medical Sciences is being celebrated because of the quality of students it has groomed already and the satisfying growth it has witnessed in just five years.
Governor Wike, who spoke on Wednesday before the inauguration of PAMO Teaching Hospital in Iriebe Town of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, also donated N500m towards the building of the university’s teaching hospital.
The governor attributed the visible success story to the characteristic commitment, passion, and sense of purpose known of the founder of the university, Dr. Odili.
“So many states have money. How many have been able to put it for people to see that, yes, you have money.
“You may have money but may not be able to use that money for the good of the people. So, this is what public officers should always learn that you still have a lot to serve humanity”, he said.
Governor Wike recalled the criticism that greeted his administration’s support to PAMO University, adding that similar support will be given to Wigwe University, being the second of such private tertiary institutions established in the State.
He also promised to reconstruct the access road to Wigwe University and assured that any other of such investments will also attract state government support.
Governor Wike expressed hope that with the tremendous work, PAMO University is doing, coupled with the College of Medical Sciences at Rivers State University, the State will not only be a training hub for medical professionals but export such experts to the rest of the country.
The governor stressed that already the incoming administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara is aligned with the glowing vision and will steer the affairs of the State and do better than what has been recorded in his tenure.
Governor Wike donated N500M to PAMO University as an encouragement to do more good work in promoting quality tertiary medical education.
In his address, the Founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Dr Peter Odili, stated that the institution announced its establishment on 10th February 2018.
Since then, he noted that Governor Wike floated a state government annual scholarship scheme for at least 100 indigenous students.
“What the governor has done is invaluable, unquantifiable, and we can not put a figure on it.
And so, the PAMO family, PAMO Educational Foundation, PAMO Clinics and Hospital Ltd, PAMO University of Medical Science, the Board of Trustees, and Governing Council, and Board of Directors, in humanity, we are dedicating this centre, named after you for the service of humanity. This complex will be called Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike complex.”
Dr Odili, who is also the former governor of Rivers State, said the PAMO University Teaching Hospital is designed to be accessible to the poor in society.
