UNIABUJA VC wants Nigeria to attract medical tourists

The Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Umale Adikwu has called on Nigerians including students and relevant stakeholders to work towards making Nigeria, a medical tourist destination and boost foreign exchange earnings for the country that will not save the outflow of scarce resources

Professor Adikwu who made the call over the weekend during the varsity’s first induction ceremony for 18 graduating medical students, also condemned those who steal the country’s resources only to spend it on infrequent oversea medical trips

He said ‘it does not take long to change a system; all it takes is consistency and belief in God. Many believe that Nigeria will crash, so they run away. Others believe that Nigeria will not even take off, talk less of crashing so they just stay and steal. There is no problem under the sun that cannot be solved, I believe that with people like you people from other lands will come to Nigeria for medical tourism’’

Also speaking at the occasion, the provost of the college, Professor Kareem Airede, reminded the grandaunts about the core values of the College of Health Sciences which include the vision to become a model National Unity medical School and excelling in medical education and research

He said’’ I ask all of you students and staff to please join me in moving the college to greater heights and ensuring henceforth that there will be zero tolerance for our students not graduating as at when due’’

The guest lecturer at the occasion, Professor Adetokunbo Ademola urged the graduating medical Doctors advised against self advertisement and overpricing of services rendered by them and urged them to continue to study and work hard, adding that sacrifices are necessary in the cause of serving humanities

Recall that about 30 students had enrolled for the programme about 12 years ago but only 18 eventually made it to the tape and are subsequently inducted as medical doctors.

Augustine Okezie, Abuja