The Federal Government, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and other key stakeholders have commended the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, for prudent resource management following the commissioning of projects valued at over N7 billion at the institution.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, gave the commendation on Friday while speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at FUHSI in Osun State. He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to advancing human capital development and delivering world-class medical education, describing both as central pillars of the current administration’s agenda.
According to Alausa, the President remains resolute in creating opportunities for young Nigerians and strengthening institutions that support national growth, particularly in the health and education sectors.
The projects commissioned include a multidisciplinary clinical centre serving as the university’s teaching hospital, faculty buildings, a Senate Building, a modern library, an ICT centre, a nursing building, research laboratories, campus electrification works, and an upgraded university health centre.
The event attracted several prominent Nigerians, including former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori; a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; Chairman of TETFund, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Oyedotun Bibire I; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; and academics such as Prof. Rashid Aderinoye and Prof. Olu Aina, among others.
“The President is committed to the youth. He will do everything humanly possible for them. With the Tinubu administration, the sky is your starting point, not the limit,” Alausa said.
He noted that medical education has been elevated to a national priority under the current administration due to its critical role in producing a healthy and productive population capable of driving sustainable development.
“A robust education system is essential to national productivity. This is why President Bola Tinubu is making significant investments in medical education. It is a strategic asset for elevating the quality of learning,” the minister stated.
Alausa commended Prof. Lasisi, members of the Governing Council, and TETFund for their roles in expanding infrastructure and strengthening academic standards at FUHSI. He urged the university community to sustain a culture of discipline, excellence, and proper maintenance of facilities.
“Let us work together to make this university a reference point for medical education in Nigeria,” he added, noting that the administration’s reforms are designed to equip young Nigerians with skills for global competitiveness.
Earlier, Prof. Lasisi disclosed that FUHSI had commissioned 11 new projects funded by TETFund and the Federal Government. He said the university, established in 2021 and which commenced full academic activities in March 2023, now runs 13 academic programmes with a student population of 3,493, comprising 2,351 female and 1,142 male students.
He added that 453 students benefited from the NELFund scheme this year, receiving a total of N130.25 million, while nine academic programmes underwent accreditation in 2024, with four others scheduled for accreditation next year.
While highlighting the institution’s rapid growth, the Vice-Chancellor appealed to the Minister of Education for urgent intervention in alternative power supply, noting that rising diesel costs had become unsustainable as the university continues to expand.
He expressed appreciation to TETFund, the Osun State Government, royal fathers, and other stakeholders for their continued support.
Also speaking, the Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, reiterated the fund’s commitment to supporting public universities, describing the commissioned projects as significant progress toward making Nigerian institutions globally relevant and competitive, especially in an era defined by rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Wale Suleiman, represented by Dr. Abba Yakubu Abdullah, said FUHSI’s establishment aligns with President Tinubu’s vision to expand access to quality education. He praised the Vice-Chancellor for translating the vision into tangible outcomes and acknowledged the support of Chief Akande.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Sunday Dipo Eluwole, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to education, describing FUHSI as strategic to Osun State’s educational and developmental aspirations.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, represented by Babatunde Olajide, lauded Prof. Lasisi for his frugality and prudent management of resources.
The newly commissioned projects are expected to significantly enhance teaching, research, and service delivery at the specialised health sciences university, further aligning with the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality of medical training nationwide.
