An Overview and History of Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED)

 
Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) is a specialized public university dedicated to medical and health sciences education. Established in 2015, it is located in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria, and is recognized as the first medical university in Nigeria and West Africa. UNIMED is committed to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals through cutting-edge research, hands-on clinical training, and innovative teaching methodologies.

Since its inception, the university has rapidly grown in academic programs, research capacity, and healthcare services, playing a significant role in the advancement of medical education and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

**[Website:][https://www.unimed.edu.ng/]**


##History and Establishment
The establishment of the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) was driven by the need to address the shortage of qualified medical professionals in Nigeria. The government of Ondo State, under the leadership of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, envisioned a world-class medical university that would serve as a hub for medical education, research, and healthcare innovation.

Before UNIMED’s creation, Nigeria relied heavily on general universities’ medical schools, which often had limited capacity to admit students into medical programs. UNIMED was designed to exclusively focus on medical and health sciences, offering specialized training in various fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and allied health sciences.

##Official Establishment and Growth
The university was officially established in 2015 by an act of the Ondo State Government, making it the first state-owned medical university in Nigeria. Since then, UNIMED has continued to expand in academic programs, infrastructure, faculty strength, and research initiatives.

Over the years, the university has built state-of-the-art laboratories, modern lecture halls, and well-equipped teaching hospitals, positioning itself as a leader in medical education and healthcare services in Nigeria and beyond.

##Academic Structure and Programs
Ondo State University of Medical Sciences offers a broad range of medical, dental, nursing, and health science programs through its specialized faculties and departments. The university’s curriculum integrates clinical training, community healthcare, and scientific research, ensuring graduates are highly competent and globally competitive.

##Faculties and Departments
1. Faculty of Clinical Sciences:

Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

Paediatrics

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Surgery

Internal Medicine


##2. Faculty of Dentistry

Dental Surgery

Oral Pathology

Periodontology

Orthodontics


3. Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences:

Anatomy

Physiology

Medical Biochemistry


4. Faculty of Allied Health Sciences:

Medical Laboratory Science

Radiography and Radiation Science

Physiotherapy

Nursing Science


5. Faculty of Public Health:

Epidemiology

Health Policy and Management

Community Health


Each of these faculties is designed to provide specialized training, ensuring students gain practical experience in medical research, hospital settings, and community health outreach programs.

##Vice Chancellors 
Since its inception, UNIMED has been led by distinguished scholars committed to academic excellence and healthcare advancement.

1. Professor Friday Okonofua (2015 - 2020):
Professor Friday Okonofua was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED. A globally recognized medical scholar and researcher, he played a key role in laying the foundation for academic excellence and research development at the university. During his tenure, he:

Established the first set of academic programs

Developed research-driven medical education policies

Strengthened international collaborations with medical institutions


2. Professor Adesegun Fatusi (2020 - Present):
Professor Adesegun Fatusi took over as the second Vice-Chancellor in 2020. Under his leadership, UNIMED has continued to grow in infrastructure, student enrollment, and research capacity. His administration has focused on:

Expanding clinical training facilities

Strengthening healthcare partnerships within and outside Nigeria

Promoting community-based medical education


##Infrastructure and Facilities
UNIMED is equipped with modern medical and research facilities that support high-quality education and healthcare training. Some of the notable infrastructures include:

Advanced medical laboratories for clinical and scientific research

Anatomy dissection halls with state-of-the-art equipment

Teaching hospitals for hands-on clinical training

Digital libraries and e-learning centers for research and academic support

Student hostels and recreational centers for a conducive learning environment


##Research and Innovation at UNIMED
Ondo State University of Medical Sciences is committed to medical research and innovation, addressing public health challenges and developing cutting-edge medical solutions.

##Key Research Focus Areas

Infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis)

Non-communicable diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer)

Maternal and child health

Biomedical engineering and medical technology


The university collaborates with local and international research institutions, ensuring that students and faculty engage in groundbreaking medical discoveries.

##Community Healthcare and Outreach Programs
UNIMED plays a vital role in improving healthcare services in Ondo State and beyond through community-based medical programs.

##Key Initiatives

Free medical outreach programs in rural communities

Public health campaigns on disease prevention and health promotion

Mobile clinics providing healthcare services in underserved areas

Collaboration with government health agencies to enhance primary healthcare services


These initiatives ensure that the university remains actively involved in public health improvement, providing students with practical exposure to real-world medical challenges.

##Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Beyond academics, UNIMED offers students a well-rounded university experience through various extracurricular activities.

Student medical associations for networking and professional development

Sports and fitness programs to promote health and wellness

Medical research clubs and innovation hubs for academic engagement

Community service projects to enhance leadership and teamwork skills


These activities help students build interpersonal, leadership, and professional skills, preparing them for successful careers in healthcare.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Ondo State University of Medical Sciences is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and various medical professional bodies in Nigeria. It is widely recognized for its high academic standards, research contributions, and commitment to quality healthcare education.
The university continues to be a leading institution in medical sciences, attracting students and researchers from across Nigeria and beyond.