UNIMEDTH Makes History as Institute of Training Graduates First Set of 22 Healthcare Professionals
-Maiden ceremony celebrates excellence, innovation, and new era for Ondo healthcare.
The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, UNIMEDTH, Ondo, etched its name in history recently with the successful hosting of the maiden graduation ceremony of its Institute of Training at the Hospital’s New Building Hall.
The colourful event marked the formal induction of the institution’s first set of graduates into Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, drawing dignitaries, stakeholders, and families in a celebration of academic excellence and healthcare advancement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, commended UNIMEDTH’s management under Chief Medical Director Prof. Michael Olumide Gbala for transforming the hospital into a centre of excellence. He described Gbala’s appointment as “a well-considered decision” by the Ondo State Government and praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for equipping the hospital with modern medical facilities, infrastructural upgrades, and progressive reforms.
Prof. Odimayo urged the graduands to uphold integrity, remain dedicated to their professions, and serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves. He noted that the ongoing restructuring within UNIMEDTH ranks among the best initiatives in the state’s healthcare system.
In his keynote as Chief Host, Prof. Gbala highlighted the hospital’s core mandate of clinical service delivery, capacity building, and ethical research. He emphasized that research remains indispensable for any teaching hospital seeking relevance in modern healthcare.
“UNIMEDTH has continued to fulfill its mandate by producing highly skilled medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals,” Gbala said, while announcing that preparations are underway to graduate another set of Health Information Management professionals.
The CMD applauded the Director of the Institute of Training, Dr. Joshua Falade, for “exceptional leadership and commitment” to the institute’s growth. He also recalled the hospital’s proactive response during COVID-19 and its commitment to evidence-based solutions for emerging health challenges.
Prof. Gbala disclosed that the ceremony coincided with the first anniversary of his appointment as CMD, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustaining excellence in training, research, and service delivery. He further highlighted several medical equipment and infrastructural projects facilitated by the state government that will boost service delivery.
Addressing brain drain in the health sector, he said UNIMEDTH has remained resilient due to its strong culture of training and professional development, which continues to produce and retain quality personnel. He charged the graduates to apply their knowledge to positively impact society.
Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adiji, in his goodwill message, applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering support and Prof. Gbala’s visionary leadership. He described UNIMEDTH as “a vital institution that has come to stay,” stressing its growing role in healthcare delivery and manpower development.
Other dignitaries present included Dr. Gbelela Z., Special Assistant to the S.A on Health; Dr. Emoruwa Oluwole, Provost, Ondo State College of Health Technology, Akure; and Dr. Joshua Falade, Director of the Institute of Training.
For the graduates, the ceremony represented not just the end of training, but the beginning of a new journey of service, professionalism, and contribution to healthcare advancement in Nigeria.
Adeboyeku Tunde Ralph PRO UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Ondo
COMMENTS