By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), has commended the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, for his sustained support for education, digital development and infrastructure at the institution.

The commendation came during an inspection visit by Senator Salisu to the university, where he inspected the newly completed Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Centre facilitated through his intervention.

The facility, which is the first building completed at the university’s permanent site, is expected to provide critical digital infrastructure for teaching, learning, research and innovation.

The visit began at the university’s temporary campus at No. 31, Central Avenue, Kemta Estate, Idi Aba, Ajebo road, Abeokuta, before the delegation proceeded to the permanent site for an inspection of the newly constructed ICT Centre.

The university’s Governing Council, led by its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Dr Usman Mohammad Shanawa, joined the management and other stakeholders during the inspection.

Speaking during the event, Shanawa expressed appreciation to Senator Salisu for supporting the institution at what he described as a critical stage of its development.

He said the completion of the ICT centre was significant because it represented the first building at FUMMSA’s permanent site.

“We sincerely appreciate Senator Salisu for his support. What we are witnessing today is significant because this ICT Centre represents the first building at our permanent site. We are grateful for this intervention, and we appeal for more support from the Federal Government and other well-meaning Nigerians to enable FUMMSA achieve its mandate.”

According to him, the facility would provide a solid foundation for the university’s development, particularly in digital learning, medical education, research and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fatiu Abiola Arogundade, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Adebola Ogunbiyi, also commended Senator Salisu for the intervention.

Ogunbiyi praised the Governing Council and management for the progress recorded by the university within the relatively short period since its establishment.

She said Senator Salisu’s decision to support ICT infrastructure at FUMMSA demonstrated his understanding of the central role technology plays in modern medical education.

The DVC also highlighted the Senator’s academic and professional background in computer science and technology, noting that his experience was particularly relevant to his responsibilities as Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity.

She assured the Senator that the university would deploy the facility effectively and build on the foundation provided by the intervention.

Responding, Senator Salisu said his commitment to education was driven by his personal experience and his conviction that education remained one of the most effective instruments for transforming individuals and communities.

He said his educational background had played a major role in shaping his career and current position, adding that this had strengthened his resolve to support projects capable of creating opportunities for students and young Nigerians.

“The only reason why I became what I am today is because I am educated. Education changed my life, and that is why I believe strongly that we must continue to invest in education, technology and opportunities for our young people.”

Salisu, who chairs the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, said the ICT Centre was part of his efforts to promote digital education and provide students and researchers with access to modern technological infrastructure.

He stressed that ICT had become indispensable to contemporary education, particularly in specialised fields such as medicine and medical sciences.

“We are in an era where ICT is no longer optional. It is central to education, research and development. For a university that is focused on medicine and medical sciences, providing the right digital infrastructure is extremely important.”

The inspection provided an opportunity for the Senator and the university’s leadership to assess existing facilities and discuss areas where legislative support could further contribute to FUMMSA’s development.

The engagement also strengthened the relationship between the Senator and the institution, with the university management acknowledging the contribution of his interventions to the development of the young university.

FUMMSA is a specialised federal institution in Ogun State established to train healthcare professionals, advance medical education and promote research and innovation in the health sector.

The completion of the ICT Centre marks a major milestone in the development of the university’s permanent site and underscores the growing importance of digital infrastructure to medical education, research and institutional development.