Ondo to Strengthen Medical Education, Says Aiyedatiwa as UNIMED Produces 33 First Class Graduates
Ondo, Nigeria – February 26, 2026
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the health sector, declaring that the strength of any healthcare system lies in the quality of its workforce.
The Governor spoke at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED), held in Ondo city, where a total of 771 students were conferred with degrees.
Addressing graduands, faculty and dignitaries in his capacity as Visitor to the university, Aiyedatiwa described the convocation as “a celebration of academic excellence and a powerful affirmation of education as the cornerstone of societal development.”
He stressed that his administration would continue to prioritise medical education, research and innovation as part of a broader human capital development strategy.
“The effectiveness of any health system is determined by the calibre of its workforce,” the Governor said. “This is why our administration will continue to support UNIMED in its mandate to train competent, ethical and compassionate medical professionals.”
Aiyedatiwa recalled that at the university’s 6th Convocation, his administration pledged to construct a Senate Building for the institution. According to him, work has since commenced on the project.
He also assured the university community of the state government’s commitment to the prompt release of subventions.
“Our dear Sunshine State desires a world-class university that can compete favourably with other tertiary institutions globally, both academically and in infrastructural facilities,” he stated.
The Governor described UNIMED as a visionary initiative that has positioned Ondo State prominently in medical education and research in Africa, noting its steady academic growth and expanding reputation.
Strong Academic Showing
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Aderonke Adejuyigbe, announced that 598 undergraduates and 173 postgraduates graduated at the ceremony.
Out of 384 undergraduates who earned classified degrees, 33 bagged First Class honours, while 267 obtained Second Class Upper Division—representing over 78 per cent of the classified degrees awarded.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university’s collaboration with the West African College of Surgeons and the West African College of Physicians led to the admission of 51 fellows into a PhD programme in January 2024.
She noted that the graduation of the inaugural candidate marked a significant milestone in academic medicine in West Africa, with Family Medicine now integrated into the programme.
Professor Adejuyigbe also highlighted improvements in staff welfare, including payment of outstanding 2019 wage arrears, implementation of the new minimum wage under CONMESS and CONHESS, staff promotions and bonuses, as well as infrastructure upgrades supported by digital and solar initiatives.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ayodele Arowojolu, disclosed that all academic programmes of the university have secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission and other regulatory bodies.
He added that the institution has produced four sets of medical doctors in its 12-year history.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of UNIMED and Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, urged the graduands to uphold professionalism as they join Nigeria’s healthcare workforce amid persistent manpower shortages.
He commended the Governor for his support to the institution, particularly the regular release of subventions, while appealing for increased monthly funding to sustain staff welfare and academic continuity.
In his closing remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new graduates to view their certificates as a call to service rather than mere credentials.
“The future belongs to those who can combine knowledge, creativity and integrity to solve real-world problems,” he said, encouraging them to explore research, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities within the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by members of the Ondo State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other top government officials.
With renewed assurances of sustained investment, the Governor reiterated that his administration would continue to strengthen UNIMED as a centre of excellence in medical education, research and healthcare delivery.
