The Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (FUAHSE), Enugu, has held its first-ever matriculation ceremony at the Trans-Ekulu Campus, Enugu, with more than 1,000 students taking part in the exercise.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor John Emaimo, described the moment as historic and fulfilling, adding that the university would pioneer health courses in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.
He said: “This is a hallmark. The pronouncement of this institution as a university was only a word on paper, but today we have translated that into reality. It’s a thing of joy to see plans become realities, for people to begin to feel it in concrete terms.”
Professor Emaimo said the institution is not just about awarding degrees but is focused on building well-rounded graduates equipped with both academic and practical entrepreneurial skills.
“Every student of this university is expected to register and graduate with a diploma in an area of entrepreneurship. We have piggery, horticulture, catering and others. It’s going to be a little more demanding, but we believe this is what society needs.
“We are pioneering some unique courses. Speech therapy, for instance, is not offered in any other university in Nigeria; we are the first. The same thing goes for dental technology in federal universities. We’re also introducing nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. We want to do things differently,” he said.
He also praised the Federal Government for its support, especially in terms of infrastructure, noting that much of the groundwork was already ongoing before the transition from college to university.
With the first set of students now formally admitted, he said the focus would be on shaping a future-driven institution.
“This is just the beginning. We are in 2024/2025, so our thinking must reflect the future, not the past. We want to make learning easier and ensure that our graduates are not just employable but confident and marketable,” he said.
Also, the Vice Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University, Prof Christian Anieke, who represented the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, congratulated the institution for kicking off in earnest, predicting that it would soon grow to become one of the best health universities in the world.
One of the matriculating students, Esther Owoh expressed appreciation to the institution for admitting her.
“I feel so happy because I have been accepted into the school legally. I feel so glad to be matriculating today. Our lecturers are very good. I will rate them 90 percent because they teach very well,” she stated.