UNIMED 7TH CONVOCATION: VC APPLAUDS FORMER GOVERNOR FOR FORESIGHT IN ADDRESSING HEALTH WORKFORCE SHORTAGE
By Oluwaseyi Elizabeth Jimoh
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe has applauded former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for his foresight in establishing the institution, noting that his vision anticipated Nigeria’s looming “famine in human resources for health.”
The remarks were made during UNIMED’s 7th Convocation at its Odo-Isida campus, which celebrated 598 undergraduate and 173 postgraduate graduands, including 33 First-Class honourees.
Professor Adejuyigbe reflected on the symbolism of the 7th Convocation, describing it as a milestone that marks the completion of the University’s formative phases and signals its readiness for greater responsibility and national impact.
She highlighted how Dr. Mimiko’s founding vision positioned UNIMED as a deliberate investment in healthcare education, human capital development, and health system resilience.
Drawing on the biblical story of Joseph, she emphasized the importance of preparation during times of opportunity to meet future challenges.
Similarly, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, urged graduands to embrace creativity, integrity, and innovation in addressing real-world healthcare challenges.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting UNIMED’s mandate to train competent, ethical, and compassionate medical professionals and pledged continued investment in education, research, and innovation in the health sector.
Delivering the convocation lecture, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.
“Generative AI is not a peripheral innovation but a core strategic driver of healthcare delivery,” he said, urging graduands to equip themselves with skills to lead in a rapidly evolving medical landscape.
He stressed that while AI can automate routine tasks, human judgment, empathy, and ethical decision-making remain irreplaceable, and technology should enhance, not replace, the role of the healer.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Ayodele Arowojolu, encouraged graduands to remain inquisitive, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning, while seeking divine guidance in their future careers.
“Be agents of positive change, and use your knowledge not only for personal advancement but for the progress of your communities and nation,” he said.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Chancellor of the University, praised the Ondo City host community for its unwavering support and peaceful environment, urging graduands to serve as ambassadors of the University by applying their skills to strengthen the national health system.
The ceremony also highlighted UNIMED’s academic achievements: among 598 undergraduate graduands, 33 earned First-Class honours, 267 Second Class Upper, and the remainder Second Class Lower and Pass degrees.
At the postgraduate level, 76 Master’s degrees, 32 Master of Public Health degrees, and 52 Postgraduate Diplomas were awarded. Notably, 13 Ph.D. scholars emerged from the Faculty of Science, the School of Public Health, and the Institute of Advanced Clinical Sciences Education, a significant increase from just one Ph.D. graduate at the 6th Convocation.
The Best Graduating Student, Akinduro Iyanuoluwa, attributed her success to divine assistance, early preparation and a commitment to embracing all courses with dedication and an open mind.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Governing Council, principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Osho, the Acting Registrar, Mrs Helen Atunwa, UNIMED CMD, Dr Michael Gbala, deans, academics from various institutions, political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents and well-wishers.
The 7th Convocation underscored UNIMED’s growing role as a strategic driver of healthcare innovation and human capital development in Nigeria, while celebrating academic excellence and a deliberate focus on preparing the nation’s health workforce for future challenges.
