By Our Reporter
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that his administration will critically examine and implement key recommendations from the Visitation Panel set up to review the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, as part of broader efforts to reposition the institution for global competitiveness.
The Governor made this commitment on Monday while receiving the panel’s two-volume report during a courtesy visit by its members to his office in Akure.
He described the panel’s work as an important milestone in the pursuit of excellence and institutional development in Ondo State’s tertiary education sector.
While commending the panel for its thoroughness and professionalism, Governor Aiyedatiwa praised their decision to focus on the functions and structures within the university rather than individual actors.
According to him, the emphasis on institutional positions rather than personalities aligns with the long-term vision of building resilient systems that transcend tenures or leadership changes.
“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,” he stated, adding that leadership structures must be clearly defined to ensure continuity and effectiveness in university governance.
The Governor assured the panel that the report would not be treated as a mere formality, but rather as a blueprint for actionable change.
“Your labour and sacrifices will yield visible results. The real reward is in seeing your recommendations drive real change in our university system,” he said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming education in Ondo State through deliberate and strategic interventions, noting that UNIMED must emerge as a globally competitive and innovative academic institution.
Earlier, the chairman of the Visitation Panel, Professor Victor Olumekun, disclosed that the panel had undertaken an eight-week review of UNIMED’s operations, delving beyond the stated terms of reference to examine critical elements that affect the institution’s progress.
He emphasised the importance of evaluating structures over personalities, stating that the goal was to ensure that every role within the university is guided by standards of accountability, performance, and structural integrity.
Professor Olumekun also recommended that universities adopt a system of annual performance evaluations rather than waiting until the end of tenures to assess leadership impact.
Such a move, he said, would promote a culture of continuous improvement and keep institutional heads aligned with their strategic objectives throughout their term.
The visit was attended by top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
