Ondo varsity seeks Aiyedatiwa’s intervention to commence medical programme

The Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to upgrade one of the existing specialist hospitals in the southern senatorial district of the state into a teaching hospital to aid the commencement of its medical programmes.

According to the Vice Chancellor, of the three senatorial districts of the state, Ondo South has been the most underserved in terms of medical education, hence the need for the state government to do the needful.

Ologunorisa, who disclosed while speaking with newsmen during a press briefing organised to herald the university’s third convocation ceremony, stressed that the institution has moved from a teaching university to a research-based institution. .

While revealing that a total of 995 students will graduate from the university during the convocation, the Vice Chancellor stated that 31 students emerged with first class and 367 bagged second upper class with 495 in second class lower division and 102 in the category of third class.

Ologunorisa, who noted that since power was restored to the region, the university has recorded significant improvements in academic rankings, decried the number of abandoned projects within the university.

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The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the state government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to assist in completing the projects.

“However, the Ondo South region remains underserved. Now is the best time for the government to upgrade at least one of the existing hospitals to a full-fledged teaching hospital. Our research indicates that this region is the most disadvantaged in terms of medical education in the state, and this needs to be addressed.

“Beyond these achievements, we have also introduced new academic programmes. The School of Governance and Business Technology now offers an MBA, a master’s in public administration, and a master’s in agribusiness, further broadening our academic offerings.

“These initiatives reflect our commitment to academic excellence, research development, and the overall growth of our institution. Together, we will continue to advance our university to greater heights.”

On infrastructure, Prof. Ologunorisa expressed satisfaction with the university’s utilisation of TETFund projects, stating that there were no abandoned TETFund projects in the institution, as funds were judiciously utilised.

He also announced plans to commence the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics by September 2025, where students will be trained in shipping and port management.