… Urges govt on budget reallocation to community health

Wesley University, Ondo State, has disclosed moves to advance research, training, and innovation in primary healthcare as part of measures designed to position the institution as a hub of academic excellence and global collaboration in healthcare education.

With Nigeria facing gaps in rural healthcare delivery, the institution urged the government to reconsider and reallocate resources towards community health development.

The position was made by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Samuel Obeka, during the maiden International Conference on Community Health held within the university, which drew participants from across Nigeria and the international community.

While describing the platform as an imperative engagement on emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in community health practice, Obeka stressed that the conference will strengthen the institution’s growing role as a centre for academic excellence and global collaboration in healthcare education.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the university has witnessed enormous growth under his watch, emphasising that the number of academic programmes has increased from 23 to over 64.

Obeka further disclosed that the institution has established a dedicated facility for deaf education, providing interpreters and accommodation support for hearing-impaired students as part of its commitment to inclusive and accessible education.

He said, “Wesley University, by the grace of God, continues to grow as a hub for the production of professionals, academic doctors, associate professors, and professors.” We are confident that this institution will increasingly become a brain box for this nation, particularly in the training of academicians, scholars, and researchers in the field of community health.

“Today, we are assembled to brainstorm as scholars and researchers. We shall examine community health from multiple perspectives, global, national and local and critically assess its impact on our economy. We will also explore mental health and other vital medical aspects within the community health framework.

“If you visit rural areas today, you will agree that one sector that urgently requires attention in our national budget is community health. I therefore use this opportunity to challenge the government to reconsider and reallocate resources meaningfully towards community health development.

“The Community Health Practitioners Council of Nigeria, alongside its agencies and parastatals, plays a crucial role in transforming our rural communities.

“This conference will also provide a platform to examine pressing health challenges facing our nation, propose viable models, and develop practical solutions. I am confident that at the end of this gathering, we will arrive at resolutions that will contribute significantly to national growth and the advancement of community health.”

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CHPRBN, Dr Bashir Idris, commended the university for hosting the conference, describing it as a major step forward in the development of community health education in Nigeria.

According to the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CHPRBN, Dr Bashir Idris, the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and vision as well as his contributions to community health are not only impacting the profession but the country at large.

On his part, the Dean of the College of Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Dayo Duyile, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to the growth and transformation of the university.

He also appreciated the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board, conference participants, and stakeholders for their unity and contributions to the success of the event, assuring them that the university management would continue to support the advancement of community health education.