Medical education in Nigeria is set to take a transformative leap, as Achievers University, Owo, positions itself as a trailblazer in redefining academic and clinical training standards. With a clear vision anchored on Knowledge, Integrity, and Leadership, the institution has continually demonstrated a commitment to excellence in higher education.
A recent milestone in this journey was the visit of the Federal Ministry of Health delegation to assess the University's facilities ahead of a groundbreaking partnership with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, as a teaching hospital on Tuesday 21st January 2025. The Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, mni, who led the delegation expressed admiration for the university’s state-of-the-art infrastructure.
He commended the institution for its strides in the education of healthcare professionals, noting the rich investment in facilities and academic resources designed to prepare students for the realities of modern healthcare. “What we saw here is very impressive. Not so many institutions have what you have here,” Dr. Salaudeen remarked.
Highlighting the university's demonstration laboratories equipped with mannequins for practical training, Dr. Salaudeen noted the institution’s dedication to equipping students with essential skills. He also highlighted the strategic proximity of FMC, Owo, to the university which he said was of great advantage. “With what we have seen here, it is clear that the future is brighter for our nation,” he said, promising that the MOU would be finalized within a short time. “Our report will reflect that you have what it takes to partner with the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.”
He further encouraged the university to remain steadfast in the pursuit of its vision of revolutionizing medical education in Nigeria.
In his response, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of Achievers University, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde appreciated the delegation for their thorough assessment and assured them of the institution’s commitment to leveraging the partnership to set a benchmark for other universities and healthcare institutions not only in Nigeria but Africa, aligning with its vision to be the best. “What you have seen is a child’s play compared to what we will achieve once the MOU is in place. We want to be a positive reference point as to what education of health professionals should be in Nigeria and Africa at large,” he stated. He added that the University, in its 17 years of existence, has become a cynosure of innovation and excellence, attracting visits from institutions seeking to replicate its model of success by the recommendation of the regulatory agencies. “We are, therefore, determined to continue in our quest until all our programmes achieve excellence. Nigeria will know that one university impacting the education sector greatly is located in Owo, the land of honor,” he affirmed.
During the tour of the university’s facilities, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye noted that Achievers University has seventeen state-of-the-art laboratories within the Central Laboratory Complex built to support the diverse academic needs of the students. She added that the laboratories have the capacity to accommodate between 70 and 285 students with a view to catering for the expected growing student population. She expressed optimism about the institution’s readiness for further expansion as she enumerated the University’s future plans. “What we have achieved so far is only the beginning,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Dr. Ilyasu Ahmed, and his team also joined the delegation to observe the University’s investments in basic and clinical skills laboratories. The Federal Ministry of Health delegation had earlier visited the FMC Annex in Akure and the main hospital in Owo to facilitate the transformation of the Federal Medical Hospital in Owo, into a Teaching Hospital. This partnership will enhance Achievers University’s capacity to produce skilled healthcare professionals.
Front row (R-L): The Pro-Chancellor, Achievers University, Owo, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde; the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Dr Salaudeen and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye leading the Federal Ministry of Health delegation and other members of the University community during the inspection of Achievers University’s Central Laboratory Complex.
The Delegation at the Physiology Laboratory
The Delegation at the Medical Biochemistry Laboratory
The delegation at the Clinical Demonstration Laboratory
The delegation at the clinical demonstration laboratory.
The delegation in the “delivery room” at the clinical demonstration laboratory.
The delegation inspecting the mannequin on wheelchair at the clinical demonstration laboratory.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irinoye speaking to the delegates on the laboratory environment.
The Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Ayorinde addressing the delegation at the wrap-up session.
The Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Ayorinde having a chat with the leader of the delegation, Dr Salaudeen after the exercise.
A group photograph of the delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja, members of the Achievers University community and management of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.