Jesse Uneke, Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has commended the education reforms of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the initiatives under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda have strengthened stability and development in Nigerian universities.
Uneke made the remarks during the University’s 5th matriculation ceremony held at the weekend at Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to him, the reforms have improved academic stability, infrastructure development and staff training across tertiary institutions in the country.
He noted that the Federal Government’s agreement with the (ASUU) had helped maintain stability in the academic calendar, while interventions from the (TETFund) have significantly boosted infrastructure development and staff capacity building at the university.
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Uneke disclosed that the institution, which commenced academic activities in January 2022 with only 26 students, has witnessed remarkable growth within four years.
According to him, the students’ population increased to 701 by January 2023 and has now risen to 3,759 students.
The Vice-Chancellor attributed the rapid growth to the university’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards, recruiting highly qualified lecturers and adopting digital systems in managing academic activities.
He explained that the institution had fully digitalised its academic processes, including admission screening through electronic verification of candidates’ results with examination bodies and the use of computer-based testing for examinations.
Uneke further revealed that the university exposes students to research early by granting them access to international academic databases, adding that the institution’s goal is for every student to graduate with access to at least 300 electronic textbooks in their field of study.
While highlighting efforts to maintain a conducive learning environment through improved facilities, hostel accommodation and stable electricity supply, the Vice-Chancellor appealed to the Federal Government to support the institution with solar power to strengthen its energy system.
He expressed optimism that with sustained government support and commitment to excellence, the university would achieve its vision of becoming a leading international institution in health sciences education and research.
