Daud Olatunji
The newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), is set to commence academic activities in September 2025 with 21 proposed programmes, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing, subject to final approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Abeokuta Club, where he led principal officers of the institution, including Registrar Obayomi Olukayode and University Librarian Dr. Idayat Agboola.
Prof. Arogundade stated that the university has applied to the NUC for accreditation of 21 academic programmes, adding that resource persons would be drawn from universities in Ibadan, Lagos, and other parts of the country to ensure a solid academic foundation.
“We are confident we will begin this year. If not September, definitely before the year ends. Our application for programme accreditation is with the NUC, and we’re currently awaiting the outcome of the resource verification,” he said.
He further revealed that the university is initially making provisions for 700 students, with accommodation plans in place.
The VC commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for his continued support towards the takeoff of the institution.
FUMMSA will temporarily operate from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) campus while the Ogun State Government has approved the use of a model school facility in Onijanganjangan for administrative operations. However, Arogundade noted that the facility had been significantly vandalised and would require extensive renovation.
“We won’t take students there yet; it will serve for administrative purposes, while clinical training will hold at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta,” he added.
Prof. Arogundade appealed for support from the Abeokuta Club in developing infrastructure for the fledgling university.
Responding, Acting Life President of the Abeokuta Club and former Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Afolabi Soyode, pledged the Club’s support for the institution. He admitted initial concerns about management quality but expressed confidence after listening to the VC’s plans.
“Having listened to the VC, I’m now reassured. On behalf of Abeokuta Club, I pledge our support for the university,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Acting President of the Abeokuta Club, Alhaji Nurudeen B. Oyedele, described the university’s establishment as a landmark development for the Egba people and reiterated the Club’s readiness to partner with the institution.
He said, “This gift from the Federal Government is well-deserved. We assure you of our firm support at all times to ensure this special medical tertiary institution operates without hindrance.”
Oyedele also acknowledged the roles played by prominent sons of Egbaland in birthing the institution, including Senators Lanre Tejuoso, Ibikunle Amosun, and Shuaib Salisu, as well as traditional rulers and leaders such as the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He concluded with a call on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to restore Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH), which was suspended in 2019, saying history would remember him favourably if he did.
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