Former Rivers Governor and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has dedicated an award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike for not abandoning the College of Medical Sciences of the Rivers State University (RSU).
Both men are sworn political rivals, with Wike being in the opposition PDP and Amaechi in the Federal ruling APC.
The award was presented to Amaechi at the maiden induction ceremony of the College of Medical Sciences, which he initiated during his tenure as Rivers State Governor.
Amaechi had initiated the College project during his tenure as Governor of the state, but could not complete it before the end of his tenure in 2015.
The Wike-led administration continued with the project until 2018 when the college matriculated its first set of medical students.
Amaechi dedicated the award on Thursday in Port Hart Harcourt, where he also commended Wike for not abandoning the college.
The Rivers State University (RSU) honoured Amaechi with an “Award of Appreciation” for his contributions to the development of education in the institution.
In his acceptance speech, Amaechi dedicated the award to former Nyesom Wike, who as Governor, did not abandon the medical college.
Delivering the welcome address, the Provost, College of Medical Sciences , Professor Chituru Orluwene, explained saying: ” We are producing our first set of medical doctors within a record time of sex years.We did not experience the delays and stagnation that is rampant among medical training institutions in our country.
”The fifty (50) medical students admitted in 2018 passed through the crucibles of medical education and professional training.Along the line,two (2) out of the fifty dropped while the remaining 48 progressed . Today,to the glory of God,we are presenting all the 48 who passed through all the stages of medical training and examinations and had a 100% pass rate in their final examination for induction as Medical Doctors “.
Former Governor Peter Odili, who was decorated with the academic title of “Medical Elder,” charged the new medical doctors to be disciplined and devoted to their duty.
“There is no excuse for lack of performance and discipline. You must shun the habit of engaging someone to cover up when on call duty,” he said.
The Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari, thanked Amaechi for initiating the medical college and expressed her belief in the health sector renewal initiative.
