Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated the visitation panel for the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo.
He emphasised the exercise’s significance in evaluating the institution’s progress and identifying areas where government intervention is required.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Akure on Monday, Aiyedatiwa explained that the visitation is a statutory process conducted every five years to assess the university’s performance, challenges, and developmental trajectory.
He stressed the importance of having a clear understanding of the university’s current status, particularly with a new Vice-Chancellor in office, to ensure strategic governmental support.
“As a government, we need to know the actual position of the university so that we can provide the necessary assistance for its growth. That is why this panel has been put in place.
“You have been carefully selected to carry out this responsibility, and I have no doubt that your work will lead to further advancements and add more value to the institution,” the governor stated.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the panel to work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and other stakeholders to facilitate effective administration and informed decision-making.
In his response, the panel chairman, Prof. Gbenga Olumekun, Director of the University Advancement Office at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, assured that the committee would conduct a thorough and objective review.
“We recognize the importance of this assignment and the expectations placed upon us. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders, conduct a comprehensive review, and provide recommendations that will enhance the university’s capacity to fulfil its mission” Olumekun stated.
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In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged his administration’s full support for the National Population Commission (NPC), recognizing the critical role of accurate demographic data in governance and sustainable development.
He made this commitment on Monday while receiving a delegation from the NPC Ondo State chapter, led by the newly appointed Federal Commissioner, Olukemi Victoria Iyantan, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Emphasising the significance of reliable population data, Aiyedatiwa noted that the state government relies on such figures for effective policy planning, infrastructure development, healthcare, and resource allocation.
“The work of the National Population Commission is indispensable. As a government, we depend on this initiative, and we will support you with resources available.
“We need comprehensive data on population distribution in terms of age, location, and other demographic factors to properly structure our policies and budget allocations,” he said.
He urged the commission to ensure accuracy and transparency in data collection, as the information would serve as a foundation for strategic development planning.
In her remarks, NPC Federal Commissioner Mrs Iyantan expressed gratitude to the governor for his support in facilitating her appointment and his commitment to partnering with the commission.
Iyantan, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, highlighted the importance of population data in governance, stating that accurate figures are essential for addressing socio-economic challenges.
She also underscored the alignment between President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘Our Ease Agenda’, both of which prioritize improving citizens’ welfare and fostering sustainable development in Ondo State.
“We are committed to working closely with the state government to generate vital population data that will guide investments in key sectors,” she assured.
