The Bayelsa premier Medical University, Bayelsa State Medical University,BMU, has held its 5th matriculation with over 750 as matriculants.
This was disclosed by the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu during the 5th matriculation ceremony at the institution’s main campus, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Etebu expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and his predecessor His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for finding him feat to pioneer the premier medical university in the state, adding that the realization of the idea of setting up the university is a testament of their leadership, courage and dedication.
He noted that the need to remedy the serious acute shortage of medical and health care specialists in the state necessitate the establishment of the university to cater for the deficiency in skilled manpower which tend to impede rapid industrial growth.
He said: ‘Today, the inflow of this cadre of people is even more an urgent requirement. We need to catch up with our needs and even export outside the state and globally. The inherent disparity between demand and supply of this category of skilled personnel cannot be overemphasized.
” Graduates produced in certain fields find it difficult to secure employment. Despite this, many vacancies are left unfilled in the health sector to the extent of threatening our very existence.
” Bayelsa Medical University therefore founded to educate Doctors, Nurses Physionsrapists, and the like, who shortly after graduation can contribute to the economic developnient of Bayelsa State and Nigeria through the transfer of modern technology with the support of entreprimeurship and innovation. BMU was established by Law to provide this education of internationally recognized excellence when fully developed.
” We are bringing in the most modern facilities to bring up young men and women to meet the challenges of today and the future’
He emphasisrd that the university is religiously committed in achieving the following educational goals”To provide the highest level of education in the medical sciences that are competent, creative, productive and imaginative to identify themselves with the problems, needs, and aspirations of society.
‘ To promote contacts with and be of service to industries and Government through research, consultations, conferences, and course content development in technology and sciences
” To play a significant role in the production of technical manpower and development of research in the field as well as provide an intellectual reservoir for the growth and demand of a developing state/nation.”
The Vice Chancellor stated that despite serious problems and the financial encumbrances faced by the university, Senator Diri’s dynamism and drive has contributed to the institution making significant strides by constructing, remodeling, reconditioning of Dormitories, Hostles, Laboratories, Library, students centre, cafeteria, workshops Lecture, Hall/rooms and staff quarters.
Etebu explained that a Campus has been established in Sampou with work progressing in full swing and appreciated Governor Douye Diri for working tirelessly to ensure that University continue to grows in leaps and bounds.
While congratulating all the matriculatong students for beginning an exciting journey to a higher education, he implored them to embrace the spirit of inquiry and curiosity that symbolizes a good scholar, keepinh an open mind and a thirst for knowledge.
Further urging them to seize the opportunities in the university with courage, conviction and a sense of purpose as according to him the university is filled with endless possibilities and boundless opportunities for growth and success.
