The Rivers State Government has announced automatic employment for all 76 graduates of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, while the institution simultaneously declared a 100% salary increase for its entire staff complement. These landmark announcements came during the university’s fourth convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the university’s Port Harcourt campus, became a platform for multiple celebratory announcements that highlight the growing influence of Nigeria’s first private medical university. Dr. Peter Odili, the institution’s Pro-Chancellor and founder, who also served as a former governor of Rivers State, delivered the news of the salary increment, which aligns with the state’s new minimum wage regulations.
The employment guarantee, initiated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara through the Ministry of Health, comes at a crucial time when medical professionals are increasingly sought after in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. This graduating class represents a diverse group of healthcare professionals, with impressive academic achievements: three students earned First Class Honours, 23 achieved Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 25 received Second Class Honours (Lower Division), and 25 obtained Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees.
In her address to the gathering, Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Christie Mato emphasized the institution’s academic excellence, noting that PAMO has secured full accreditation for all its academic programs across four faculties from the National Universities Commission and other regulatory bodies. This achievement reinforces the university’s position as a leading institution in medical education.
Dr. Odili, speaking with evident pride, revealed that PAMO has now produced 223 graduates since its inception. He emphasized the institution’s strict ethical standards, stating unequivocally, “We have certified them in character and learning because, at PAMO, we have zero tolerance for cultism, gangsterism, sorting, harassment, and above all, drugs.” This commitment to both academic excellence and moral integrity has become a distinguishing feature of the institution.
The convocation ceremony was further distinguished by the inauguration of two major projects: the 500-capacity Sir Siminalayi Fubara Lecture Theatre and a state-of-the-art medical library equipped with modern e-library facilities. These additions significantly enhance the university’s learning infrastructure and demonstrate ongoing commitment to providing world-class educational facilities.
Governor Fubara, who was honored with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) during the ceremony for his contributions to the institution and society, used the platform to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to developmental goals despite political challenges. We are advancing the cause of peace, security, and unbiased development in our state,” he declared, emphasizing his determination to transform the state through responsible resource management.
The governor’s support for PAMO extends beyond the employment guarantee, as highlighted by Chancellor Abdulsalami Abubakar, who praised Fubara’s decision to expand the existing scholarship scheme from 100 to 150 students. This expansion represents a significant investment in the future of medical education in Rivers State.
Speaking about PAMO’s distinctive position in Nigeria’s educational landscape, Governor Fubara noted, “In an era where the standards of education in universities are declining, PAMO has established itself as an island of excellence in medical education and training in Nigeria.” This observation underscores the institution’s role in maintaining high educational standards amid broader challenges in the sector.
Dr. Odili took the opportunity to commend Governor Fubara’s leadership, describing him as a “dogged fighter” who has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of political challenges. There is no Governor in Nigeria who has faced the challenges he has encountered,” Odili remarked, highlighting the governor’s determination to maintain effective governance despite obstacles.
The dual announcement of employment guarantees and salary increases represents a significant investment in both the future of healthcare delivery and educational excellence in Rivers State. These measures are likely to enhance the attractiveness of medical education at PAMO while ensuring that graduates have immediate opportunities to contribute to the state’s healthcare system.
As Nigeria’s first private medical university continues to evolve and expand, these developments signal a promising future for medical education in the region. The combination of strict academic standards, modern facilities, and strong governmental support positions PAMO University of Medical Sciences as a crucial institution in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges while setting new standards for medical education in the country.
