Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated a visitation panel for the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, emphasizing the need for periodic assessments to evaluate the institution’s progress and determine necessary government support.
Speaking at the event on Monday in Akure, the Governor noted that the exercise, conducted every five years, helps review the university’s growth, challenges, and overall performance.
With a new Vice-Chancellor now in office, he stressed that the government must understand the institution’s current status to provide necessary assistance.
“As a government, we need to know the actual position of the university so that we can provide the necessary assistance for its growth. That is why this panel has been put in place. You have been carefully selected to carry out this responsibility, and I have no doubt that your work will lead to further advancements and add more value to the institution,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
He also urged the panel to ensure that the new Vice-Chancellor is well-informed about all aspects of the university to facilitate effective administration.
Chairman of the panel, Prof. Gbenga Olumekun, Director of the University Advancement Office at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, assured that the team would execute its task with professionalism.
“We recognize the importance of this assignment and the expectations placed upon us. We will engage all relevant stakeholders, conduct a thorough review, and provide recommendations to enhance the university’s capacity to fulfill its mission,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged his administration’s full support for the National Population Commission (NPC) in its efforts to generate accurate demographic data essential for governance and development.
During a courtesy visit by the Ondo State chapter of the NPC, led by Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Olukemi Victoria Iyantan, the Governor emphasized the importance of reliable population data in policy-making, infrastructure development, and essential services.
“The work of the National Population Commission is indispensable. As a government, we rely on this initiative and will support you within available resources. We need comprehensive data on population distribution in terms of age, location, and other demographic factors to properly structure our policies and budget allocations,” he stated.
In response, Mrs. Iyantan expressed appreciation for the Governor’s support and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the NPC and the state government. She noted that accurate population data is crucial in addressing various socio-economic challenges.
She also pointed out the synergy between President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Our Ease Agenda, both aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and fostering sustainable development in Ondo State.
According to Iyantan, the NPC remains committed to working with the state government to provide critical population data that will guide investments in key sectors.