Prof Onunu Reaffirms Federal University’s Establishment in Kwale, Dispels Rumours
By Chinedu Amede
KWALE/Nigeria: The Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, Professor Abel Onunu, has affirmed the institution’s permanence following the official presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) by the Delta State Government to the Federal Ministry of Education. This declaration dispels widespread rumours that the university was a scam.
During a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Traditional Ruler of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom, HRM Nzeuku Isaac Obi, Prof. Onunu emphasized that the university’s establishment is now undeniable.
This visit followed an inspection of the 200 hectares of land donated by the kingdom’s indigenes, conducted by a team of Federal Ministry of Education officials. Prof. Onunu assured us that construction at the permanent site would commence as soon as the inspection report is finalized.
He highlighted that the institution still has several preparatory steps before academic activities begin but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to meet the challenges ahead.
Prof. Onunu revealed that his office worked diligently to prevent the relocation of the university from Kwale, noting that the final approval for the institution was one of the last acts of former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office on May 28, 2023. He also noted that his name was on the signed document as Vice Chancellor.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Theophillus Adoh, President General of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom, described the inspection ceremony as a significant moment in the kingdom’s history and the Ndokwa Nation as a whole.
He stated that the visit dispels the notion that the university’s approval was merely a political gimmick. Chief Adoh expressed deep gratitude to the federal government and the inspection team, remarking that the people of Utagba Ogbe and Ndokwa had long desired a federal institution of higher learning. He acknowledged the socio-economic and infrastructural benefits the university would bring, emphasizing its potential for job creation and development in the region.
He also voiced his commitment to protecting the university and its infrastructure, urging Ndokwa sons and daughters to contribute to the institution’s success. He expressed optimism that the inspection marked the beginning of the university’s admission process and the start of academic activities in the upcoming session.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Sir Monday Onyeme, pledged the state’s partnership with the university to ensure the swift commencement of academic activities. The state government allocated 200 hectares for the permanent site and 15 hectares for the temporary site.
In addition, the General Hospital Kwale was handed over as the take-off site for the University Teaching Hospital. The Director of Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Rakiya Gambo, who represented the Ministry, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and praised the state government for its support in facilitating the university’s establishment.
