Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to lay a lasting foundation for a new generation of Rivers residents to excel academically and professionally.
Governor Fubara made the commitment while receiving the accreditation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He expressed concern that Rivers State’s reputation for academic excellence had dwindled over the years, with mediocrity becoming more rewarded than proven intelligence.
Fubara vowed to reverse this trend, citing the need to restore the state’s pride.
“We were once highly respected for our academic achievements, but that has changed. It’s time to reclaim our position,” Fubara said.
The governor pointed to his recent release of unpaid scholarship entitlements to medical students at Rivers State University as evidence of his commitment. “I didn’t hesitate to release the funds to ensure our students don’t face unnecessary obstacles,” he explained.
Fubara emphasized his administration’s focus on providing necessary infrastructure, facilities, and support to enhance training and academic standards. “We want Rivers people to become leaders in their chosen careers,” he stated.
The MDCN accreditation panel, led by Registrar Dr. Fatima Kyari, was accompanied by Rivers State University Vice Chancellor Prof Nlerum Okogbule, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Prof Chizindu Alikor, and State Commissioner for Health Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh.
Governor Fubara said he paid attention to the Registrar while she spoke, outlining a few things, which aligned with his undiluted love for the university to become the most sought after citadel of learning.
The Governor stated: “The University Authority is here. When I came on board, the medical students had a scholarship scheme that was not redeemed for more than three years. It was when I became the Governor of this State that I paid that money.
“I did not do it because I had so much or I was looking for where to spend our money. I did it because these students are our own.
“These students are students that belong to the families that voted for me. These students are the real core that will form the foundation of the future of Rivers State, medically. I have to do it, and I can tell you, I am really satisfied that the promise has been sustained. So, it is to tell you of my love for the medical institution.”
Governor Fubara said his administration is already aware of the problem associated with medical education because, according to him, it is not a cheap venture to undertake.
He noted that because it is an expensive venture, to maintain the learning facilities and ensure quality training for the students, the promise of support to the university will not be withdrawn.
Governor Fubara said: “I am also happy that from what the accreditation panel is saying here, we know that we are not doing badly, even if we just need to improve on a few areas. And I can assure you that we have noted those things, and will do something about it.
“I want to also draw your attention to a few things: Our concern for medical training is very paramount to this administration. One of our three cardinal areas of concern is healthcare, education and agriculture. And we strongly believe that if these three things are handled, half or 90 percent of our problems are solved.”
Governor Fubara pointed to what has been done by his administration to ensure availability of medical personnel with the approval for employment of 2,000 medical personnel.
Of that number, he said, 1,000 personnel will be engaged by the the Rivers State Health Management Board, and the other 1,000 personnel will be engaged by the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
These gestures, Governor Fubara explained, go to confirm the commitment of his administration to promote quality training within the field of medical sciences in Rivers State.
He added, “They are here, you can ask them, I didn’t send a name because I know these things are not done on Public Relations (PR). They are things you must take the professionals so that we don’t end up breeding doctors that would become disaster to the medical sciences.
“So, I understand where we are coming from and going to. For me and my team, as a government, we know where we are going to. And by the special grace of God, we will hit on our target with your support. So, this collaboration is important to us.”
Governor Fubara spoke further: “We are presently remodelling about five Zonal Hospitals. You said here that when you came in, you visited our Teaching Hospital. Although, you still remember that it is an old facility.
“But it is the only one we have. It is in this administration that we took it upon ourselves to make sure that the intermediary medical services must function, and we are building up to standard five Zonal Hospitals in the State.”
Governor Fubara assured that when these health facilities are completely put in place with the welfare of doctors in proper perspective, it will be difficult for such personnel in the employ of the State Government to consider abandoning the job and relocate abroad.
The Governor said his administration will do everything within its powers to support the university to keep the standard of studies at the College of Medical Sciences high.
He explained, “We will not bring down that level. We will ensure that the discipline in the medical sciences is still sustained in the State. It’s important to us. Look at the Vice Chancellor, for so many years, he was promised a grant, he couldn’t get it. He almost died out of stress. Everyday, if it is not issue of diesel, it will be something else.
“It was this government that also redeemed it, and today, look at the way he is happy. All the loans he took from everywhere, he has been able to pay them off,” he added.
Governor Fubara told his guests to be emissaries for the State and disabuse the minds of those who have been brainwashed with the negative narrative of violence in the State.
He stated that the hallmark of his administration is to deliver good governance, improve the quality of life lived by the people, and ensure a thriving peaceful climate for all.
He stressed, “You are here to assess our university, to assess our students; how do they fit-in in this noble profession. We will try as much as we can to make sure that we stand by you to ensure that the standard doesn’t go down.