The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, has announced that the first Private University of Medical Sciences in Nigeria, with the proposed name PAMO University, is set to be established.
Speaking while receiving the documents of the proposed university, including its Academic Brief, Physical Master Plan and University Law from the promoters and members of the Planning and Implementation Committee, led by the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, the NUC boss said that the proposed University, when licensed, would not just be the first private university dedicated solely for training of medical students in Nigeria but in the West African sub-region.
Peter Odili with NUC Scribe, Prof. Rasheed
Rasheed said although there is already Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, the proposed PAMO university would be the first privately-owned university to pursue such a capital intensive professional project with huge commitment, in spite of the fact that it would not yield financial returns in a short time.
He said that through the proposed university, the commission would demonstrate to the world that it is possible to licence a private university within one year, as long as it satisfies the requirements.
He said a university, unlike other investment is capital intensive and does not yield commensurate financial returns until after a very long time, adding that a good university when it becomes stabilised, have the capacity of sustaining itself.
The NUC boss advised them to admit young students who would not create challenges for the would-be institution.
In his remarks, the Promoter of the new medical university, Dr Peter Odili appreciated the NUC executive secretary for the passion he has shown and guidance provided so far to ensure that the process is smooth since January when it commenced.
He assured him that the proposed university would strive to live up to its motto which is excellence for all, adding that it would be for all Nigerians and humanity, while focusing on excellence and ethical commitment in its training.
