The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has pledged to implement key reforms at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, following the submission of a comprehensive report by the institution’s Visitation Panel.
The report, presented on Monday by members of the panel during a visit to the Governor’s Office in Akure, highlights findings and recommendations aimed at repositioning the university for excellence.
Speaking after receiving the two-volume report, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the panel’s thorough work and commended their focus on institutional structures rather than individual officeholders.
“What makes me particularly pleased is the fact that you focused not on individuals, but on the positions they occupy. That is how institutions are built and sustained,” the Governor said.
“Proper structures and processes must be put in place to guide whoever assumes leadership roles within the university.”
He assured that the report would be critically reviewed and acted upon, rather than left idle.
“Your labor and sacrifices will yield visible results. The real reward is in seeing your recommendations drive real change in our university system.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his administration is committed to transforming the state’s education sector, with UNIMED envisioned as a model of global academic excellence.
“The whole idea is to build a better university; one that can compete globally, provide a top-tier learning environment, and become a model of excellence among specialized institutions.”
He reiterated his resolve to prioritize the actionable recommendations within the report, describing the panel’s effort as timely and necessary for sustainable reform.
Earlier, the chairman of the panel, Professor Victor Olumekun, said the committee spent eight weeks conducting a detailed evaluation of UNIMED’s operations, guided by both their terms of reference and broader institutional concerns.
“Our focus was on processes and systems. We made a deliberate effort not to judge personalities, but rather to assess the positions and roles they occupy. We believe that whoever occupies any position must be guided by structure, accountability, and performance standards.”
Professor Olumekun further recommended that universities adopt a system of annual performance reviews to foster continuous improvement, accountability, and alignment with long-term goals.
“Such evaluations would increase accountability and help administrators remain focused on institutional goals throughout their terms.”
Present at the report submission were Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, and the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip.
