— As Varsity hosts maiden Int’l Conference

— We’ve expand from 23 to 64 Programmes – VC, Prof Obeka

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo town in Ondo State, Prof. Rev. Samuel Sunday Obeka, has challenged the Federal Government to reconsider and reallocate resources meaningfully towards community health development in the country.

Prof. Obeka said this during the maiden International Conference on Community Health, hosted by the university in Ondo town.

The conference, which drew participants from across Nigeria and the international community, was part of efforts to advance research, training, and innovation in primary healthcare.

The event, which featured its official opening ceremony and plenary session, created a platform for critical engagement on emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in community health practice.

Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Today, we are assembled to brainstorm as scholars and researchers.

“We shall examine community health from multiple perspectives- global, national, local and critically assess its impact on our economy.

“We will also explore mental health and other vital medical aspects within the community health framework.

“If you visit rural areas today, you will agree that one sector that urgently requires attention in our national budget is community health.

“I therefore use this opportunity to challenge the government to reconsider and reallocate resources meaningfully towards community health development.

“The Community Health Practitioners Council of Nigeria, alongside its agencies and parastatals, plays a crucial role in transforming our rural communities.

“This conference will also provide a platform to examine pressing health challenges facing our nation, propose viable models, and develop practical solutions.

“I am confident that at the end of this gathering, we will arrive at resolutions that will contribute significantly to national growth and the advancement of community health.”

The Vice-Chancellor, said the conference underscores the institution’s growing role as a centre for academic excellence, professional development, and global collaboration in healthcare education.

Obeka noted that the university has undergone significant transformation under his administration, stating that the number of academic programmes has increased from 23 to over 64, alongside the revival and repositioning of previously moribund structures and academic activities.

He added that the establishment of a College of Engineering is part of ongoing efforts to broaden the academic base of the university and align it with global standards.

Speaking on staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor said the institution now ensures regular and prompt payment of salaries, noting that workers are paid consistently every month, unlike in the past when salary delays were frequent.

He further disclosed that the university has introduced a policy that allows graduates to receive their original certificates on the day of convocation, describing it as a rare practice among Nigerian universities aimed at improving efficiency and graduate satisfaction.

Obeka also revealed that Wesley University now runs postgraduate programmes up to PhD level in Community Health, Theology, and other disciplines, reflecting its expanding academic capacity.

In addition, he said the institution has established a dedicated facility for deaf education, providing interpreters and accommodation support for hearing-impaired students as part of its commitment to inclusive and accessible education.

He used the occasion to invite stakeholders to the university’s convocation ceremony scheduled for November 21, 2026, and announced plans to launch a Journal on Community Health to enhance research output and international collaboration.

The Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria commended the university for hosting the conference, describing it as a major step forward in the development of community health education in Nigeria.

Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of CHPRBN, Dr. Bashir Idris, praised the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and vision, stating that his contributions to community health are not only impacting the profession but the country at large.

Idris described Obeka as “a visionary, a committed leader, and a true statesman,” and assured that the Board would continue to strengthen its collaboration with Wesley University in the training and development of community health practitioners.

The Dean of the College of Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Dayo Duyile, in his vote of thanks, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to the growth and transformation of the university.

Prof Duyile also appreciated the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board, conference participants, and stakeholders for their unity and contributions to the success of the event, assuring that the university management would continue to support the advancement of community health education.

Following the conference proceedings, participants visited the College of Community Health, where a newly completed complex was officially named in honour of the CHPRBN Registrar/CEO.

The Board also made a financial contribution to the university, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of community health education in Nigeria.

The event which attracted community health practitioners and other stakeholders from across the country, further highlight the university’s growing influence in the sector.