Former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has dedicated an award of appreciation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for ensuring the completion of the College of Medical Sciences at the Rivers State University (RSU).
Amaechi, who initiated the project during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, could not complete it before leaving office in 2015. The project was continued and completed by Wike’s administration, with the college matriculating its first set of medical students in 2018.
Amaechi made the dedication on Thursday in Port Harcourt, while receiving the award during the induction ceremony of the first set of medical graduates into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
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The management of the college presented the award in recognition of Amaechi’s contributions to educational development in the university and as the initiator of the medical college.
Speaking at the event, the acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of MDCN, Dr. Fatima Kyari, commended Amaechi for his foresight in establishing the College of Medical Sciences at RSU.
She emphasized the importance of the health sector renewal initiative and advised the newly inducted medical doctors to uphold the ethics of their profession as they embark on their careers.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Professor Chituru Orluwene, expressed pride in the institution’s achievements.
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He highlighted that out of the 50 students admitted in 2018, only two dropped out, allowing the college to successfully graduate its first set of medical doctors within the expected six-year period.
“We are producing our first set of medical doctors within a record time of six years. We did not experience the delays and stagnation that are common in medical training institutions across the country,” Orluwene stated.
He further noted that all 48 graduating students successfully passed through the rigorous stages of medical training and examinations, achieving a 100% pass rate in their final assessments.
The event marked a significant milestone in the history of Rivers State University’s medical college, as the institution continues to contribute to the development of the healthcare sector in Nigeria.