A statement by the Spokesperson of the University, Adebanjo Adegbenro on Thursday, said the assurance was emphasised during a courtesy visit to the Deji’s palace by the University Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape.
Fuwape paid glowing tributes to the Deji and Akure community for being wonderful hosts to the university since its establishment about four decades ago.
According to him, the journey to the smooth takeoff of the University’s College of Medicine, which started with the allocation of a permanent site along Akure-Owo road, needed to be pursued with vigour.
“The university’s School of Health and Health Technology (SHHT) that will house the College of Medicine, which started with courses like Anatomy, Medical Biotechnology and Physiology, has gotten the approval to start core Medicine.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC) will soon embark on a verification exercise to the university to assess facilities that will herald the take off. Based on this, there is a need to put some things in place which include staffing, physical structures, laboratories, library and others.
“There is a need to involve sons and daughters of Akure in the process to expedite its actualization especially in the process of accessing funds to speed up the construction work which has already started at the permanent site,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Responding, Oba Aladelusi expressed his excitement with the progress so far recorded relating to the actualization of the College of Medicine.
“I am overjoyed, especially with the assurance we keep getting that the College will be sited in Akure. As a responsible host, we will not relent in giving our support to the development of the university.
“FUTA is our pride and we will do all we can to make it grow to compete globally. We will galvanize all our political muscles to ensure all is done to actualize this dream. I can assure you that the state government will be involved too,” the Oba said.
The Deji commended Professor Fuwape for his focused leadership and the steady progress being recorded in the University.
Lending his voice, the Registrar, Mr. Richard Arifalo commended the Deji and the Vice Chancellor for the passion they have put into actualizing the College of Medicine scheduled to take off in 2021.
