NUC Declares Medical students to spend 11 years in University

The National Universities Commission, through its Executive Secretary Prof. Julius Okojie has declared that any student who wants to study Medicine will now spend a minimum of 10 years in the university. He made this known during a lecture delivered at the maiden matriculation and inauguration of the University of Medical Science, Ondo, Ondo State.

In a lecture which was delivered by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the commission Prof. Chiedu Mafiana who represented Prof. Julius titled ‘Development of Medical Education: Prospects and Challenges’, said the new policy was necessary so as to help the students mature psychologically for the profession.

He added that the 2015 document for the training of medical students made provision for students to spend the first four years in studying basic sciences in university after which they would proceed to the medical school to spend another seven years.

Buttressing the imperative for adequate funding of medical training and practice, the NUC Executive Secretary urged the management of the institution to ensure that funds earmarked for the development of the institution must be used judiciously for its purpose.

Also present at the event, the Visitor of the school and Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said the university was expected to leverage on the benefits of the medical complex around the institution to advance efforts in medical research and training.

“It is our hope and belief that it will provide sound scientific, technological and professional training to address identified health needs and problems, solve them within the context of community and national needs and sustainable development,” Mimiko said.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Friday Okonofua, said the that the university would achieve the objectives for which it was established, appealing to all well-meaning Nigerians to render assistance to the varsity by contributing to the  ‘Friends of UNIMED Funds’ initiatives which was targeted at raising N1billion for the school .

He also lauded the initiative of the Ondo State government for the establishment of the university describing it as the most creative and innovative idea that has taken place in the development of tertiary education in the country.