From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Medical College of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), risks being completely shut down by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), if it fails to pass accreditation next week.
The Registrar of the MDCN, Dr T.A.B Sanusi, who gave the threat during the maiden induction of Gregory University Uturu (GUU), medical doctors, at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, said that the forthcoming accreditation “will be a make or mar” for the College.
Dr Sanusi advised the State Government and the university Management to ensure that the necessary facilities were put in place so that the college could scale through.
He was not happy that “Abia is lagging behind” in case of hospitals for housemanship but commended the efforts of the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, towards salvaging the situation.
He explained that the reason the “Council is strict on accreditation for Medical Colleges is to ensure quality of their products.”
He disclosed that MDCN had over 117 petitions against medical doctors, adding that another 120 are waiting for trial.
He cautioned doctors on housemanship against joining strike, reminding them that ” by Council policy”, they are not members of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD).
While congratulating the inductees and urging them to uphold the ethics of medical profession, the Registrar commended the management of GUU for its efforts in establishing and running medical school while urging them to keep improving.
Gov. Alex Otti, commended the Founder of GUU for his huge investment in the education sector, and expressed the readiness of his administration to support and partner “progressives” in moving the state forward.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu,
Otti charged the inductees to be focused and shun materialism as they practice their profession.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Uwaoma Uche, who spoke on behalf of the VC, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, described the maiden induction as a huge success and dream come true for the institution.
”When we started, many people did not believe us, but today, we rank among the best in South East”, he said.
He revealed that the university built some structures at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) currently used by the medical students while its 1000-bed hospital at Ezinnachi, near Okigwe had recorded 80% completion.
He commended the Founder of the university, Professor Greg Ibe, for his vision.
Earlier, the Deputy Provost of the College, Professor Ijeoma Nduka, had advised the inductees to be well behaved and care for their patients.
She urged them to always seek second opinion when confused, and to make use of technology.
Dr Davies Glory Oluwasijibomi, emerged the Overall Best Graduating student.