Delay In Take Off Of FUTA Teaching Hospital May Affect Graduation Of Medical Students

By Ayodele Oni

The fate of the first set of about 150 medical students at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) remains uncertain as they are set to write their MBBS examinations.

Passing the examinations is a prerequisite for advancing from 300 level to 400 level of their course which is the beginning of their clinical years.

It was learnt that unfortunately, there is no teaching hospital where to teach them practical management of patients and handling of health issues.

FUTA is the first conventional university in Ondo that that will offer medicine as a course of study, a situation which lead to lack of a teaching hospital in the state.

The nearest teaching hospital to Akure is the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, which is about 60 kilometers away from the Ondo state capital.

Reacting to the challenge being faced by the students, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Akure north and south, Derin Adesida noted the concern of some stakeholders on the issue, saying “We think the the fate of not less than 150 medical students must not be glossed over by anyone who desires the best for our state, our country and, of course, the whole of humanity.

“Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that FUTA teaching hospital becomes a reality as soon as possible.”

A statement by his media aide, Ojo Oyewamide explained various efforts being put in place to ensure that a teaching hospital takes off in Akure as soon as possible.

“The truth is that the bill to establish the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital was passed by the Ninth Senate on Wednesday, February 25, 2022.

“Unfortunately, former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to sign the bill into law before exiting office. The bill had to be represented at the floor of the Tenth Senate. It has passed first reading.

“At present, there is no bill on FUTA teaching hospital on the floor of the House of Representatives. The bill on the teaching hospital will be sent to the House for confirmation only when passed after third reading in the Senate.

“It is important to note here that Prince Adesida is already lobbying his colleagues in the House in order to ensure quick confirmation when the Bill is sent by the Senate.”

The statement added that Adesida a two term member of the green chamber has promised to do all within the armbit of the law to ensure that the bill scales through in both chambers of the national assembly.

“Be rest assured that Prince Adesida will surely play his part to the satisfaction of all. It is the understanding of Prince Adesida that the bill will be presented for second reading in the Senate anytime from now.”