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By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
The Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), in Rivers State, on Friday held its 4th convocation ceremony, during which 76 professionals graduated in various fields of study.
This was as the university also awarded the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara with an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his “immense and significant contributions to the institution and society.”
The convocation, which is the 4th in the 7-year life of the first privately-owned medical university saw the institution producing qualified professionals in 7 different departments comprising; Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing Science, Radiography & Radiation Sciences, Anatomy Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to God and the university authority for honoring him with the award, describing it as memorable for him.
He recalled how the third convocation was a sad one for him because it was the climax of his political ordeal following his signing of the Presidential Peace proclamation with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike and thanked God that the story was better and that he was in a better mood.
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 said; On behalf of the government and citizens of Rivers State, I extend congratulations to all the students on their life-changing achievement as graduates of this university.
“Today’s convocation marks the completion of an important phase in your lives but it’s beginning of another.
“From today, you bear full responsibility of what you make out of your university education. This is just the beginning. You can end here, if you want but you can still go further. Your primary task is to use your specialized knowledge, skill and training to advance your professional career, earn decent living, contribute to human progress to the best of your capacity.
“As youths, your future and the future of our country are in your hands and a better future is possible with hard work, focus unwavering commitment to achieve set goals and transformational ambition”.
Gov. Fubara urged the graduands to be willing to volunteer their services and skills with integrity to advance the greater good of all irrespective of class, age, background status, ethnicity.
“My solemn prayer for all of you is that God gives you grace and may you all succeed in your chosen professional career and other endeavours”, he prayed and promised to continue to partner with the university and genuinely support it for the betterment of the state.
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 would sustain the partnership with the institution to strengthen the quality of medical education that would further accelerate the transformation of the healthcare delivery system for the better life of the people and the nation.
He 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.
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.
He thanker 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 the University and former Head of State, 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, reflected 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 were 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.
