By Correspondent in Lokoja
Efforts by the Senate of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) aimed at establishing medical college and medical science programme in the University started on a positive note with the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, inaugurating a-17-Man Steering Committee for the actualisation of the programne.
Prof. Ogirima, chairman of the committee
The Correspondent of The Reporters reports that the committee, headed by Professor Mike Ogirima, is charged with the responsibility of beginning groundwork for the commencement of the programne as well as bring into fruition, medical college of the university.
Performing the ceremony at the University Council Chamber in Lokoja, the Vice Chancellor said the inauguration of the committee followed the approval of the Senate, at its 61st(special) meeting, to establish Medical College and Engineering Courses in the institution.
The VC who, said that the committee members were appointed based on their academic track records, added that Professor Mike Ozovehe Ogirima of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria would serve as Coordinator/Chairman with Mr. Usman Abdul Kadir as Secretary.
According to him, all things being equal, the Medical College will commence operation next academic session.
He listed the terms of reference of the committee to include; Provision of requirements needed to scale through the Resource Verification as laid down by the National Universities Commission(NUC), develope the required Curriculum to meet the standard best practice for the programme and design a model that will not put the graduates at a disadvantage if they want to go into academics.
Others, he added, were to advise the university on how to attain the minimum manpower/staff required for the take-off of the programme, Work toward adopting the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja as the Teaching Hospital and Advise on any other matter that would assist in the successful establishment of the programme.
The VC said that the committee was expected to conclude its assignment and present its report within six weeks of its inauguration.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, Prof. Ogirima promised to live up to expectation to deliver the assignment on time.
He also gave an assurance that the committee would not relent in making necessary professional contacts that would bring about the smooth take-off of the Medical College.
The Reporters recalls that FUL is among the 13 federal universities established by the Jonathan administration toward the end of its tenure about 10 years ago.
