The Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), recently hosted a delegation from the College of Medicine, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), on a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Kolawole Ogundipe, following his assumption of office.
The delegation was led by the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Adeeyo Olusola Atilade, who said the visit was to congratulate the newly appointed CMD on his appointment. He expressed confidence in Prof. Ogundipe’s leadership, citing his impressive track record and commitment to excellence.
Atilade also appreciated the management of FETHI for its continuous support and cooperation with the university. He highlighted key milestones achieved through the collaboration, including the successful assimilation of the School of Nursing, described as the first of its kind in a public institution and the support during the accreditation exercises by the Nursing Council. He further noted the successful accreditation of programmes such as Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science and Medical and Surgery.
Reflecting on the partnership, the Provost recalled that the College of Medicine, FUOYE, began operations under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before the Federal Government approved the use of FETHI facilities for students’ clinical training and research. He added that the visit also provided an opportunity to assess areas where the university could further enhance learning facilities for students.
In his response, Prof. Ogundipe welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration between both institutions. He emphasized the need to address foundational challenges to position the College of Medicine among the leading medical institutions in the country.
Drawing from experiences of other universities, the CMD identified common early-stage accreditation challenges, including academic staffing and funding and stressed the importance of developing solutions suited to the particularities of the environment. He also advocated special consideration for internal consultants to ensure seamless collaboration and urged both institutions to maintain standards that would curb excesses and promote excellence.
Prof. Ogundipe assured the delegation that FETHI is well prepared for upcoming accreditation exercises and has the capacity to support the graduation of multiple cohorts of medical students.
He further called for closer collaboration in areas such as the development of clinical laboratory facilities, provision of office spaces for consultants, and student accommodation. The CMD also disclosed plans for a reciprocal courtesy visit by FETHI management to the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gift to the CMD on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Ogunwole Joshua Olalekan, which he acknowledged with appreciation. Prof. Ogundipe reaffirmed FETHI’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FETHI branch, Dr. Adelekan, stressed the need for proper regulations to guide the partnership.
In his vote of thanks, the Acting Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Adeyemo Olabisi, commended the visiting team for their openness and reiterated the importance of collaboration in achieving the shared goal of producing competent healthcare professionals.
