Arogundade issues stern warning as FUMMSA matriculates 1,000 pioneer students, urging discipline and focus at the new medical university

ABEOKUTA, 20 November 2025 — Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Prof Fatiu Arogundade, on Thursday cautioned newly admitted students to shun unlawful groups, embrace discipline and avoid any conduct that could jeopardise their future at the fledgling institution.

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The remarks came during the matriculation of the university’s first 1,000 students, held at the Prof Olufemi Balogun Ceremonial Building on the temporary campus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

The Arogundade issues stern warning message set a serious tone for the ceremony.

Prof Arogundade urged the students to make full use of the opportunity to build competence and character, insisting that medical training demands high ethical standards.

He described the day as a special moment for the new institution and a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening health education as part of national renewal.

He told the students to remain law-abiding, heed university regulations and avoid any activity capable of threatening their studentship.

He added that the university was designed for character building, and reminded them that it was a specialised medical institution with demanding expectations.

Prof Arogundade also disclosed that new programmes were being developed to match national priorities in medical specialities.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing specialised medical universities across the six geopolitical zones, saying the move would enhance the production of healthcare professionals and help reduce the impact of the Japa syndrome.

He explained that the institution views medical education as a fusion of intellect, empathy and innovation, noting that its mission is to train competent healthcare professionals capable of addressing national and global health challenges through creative, technology-driven solutions.

He stressed that knowledge becomes most powerful when it heals and serves.

The vice chancellor commended the Ogun State Government, the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof Babatunde Kehinde, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for their support towards the university’s smooth take-off.

He called for continued cooperation from all stakeholders to help the institution achieve its founding vision.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Usman Mohammed, described the university as a vital national asset positioned to develop a skilled health workforce capable of confronting Nigeria’s medical challenges.

In the convocation lecture titled FUMMSA: The Making of a Great Citadel of Learning, former FUNAAB Vice Chancellor Prof Oluwafemi Balogun urged the university to pursue global relevance through strategic leadership, innovation and a clear institutional vision.

He advised the management to prioritise staff welfare, build trust, foster peace and show empathy to both staff and students.

Delivering a goodwill message, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo reminded the matriculating students that their journey to greatness had only begun and urged them to strive for academic excellence while building a purposeful future.

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The five-month-old university currently operates eight faculties, including Pharmacy, Computing Science and Mathematics, Basic Clinical Sciences, Dentistry and Allied Medical Sciences.

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