FUL College of Health Sciences Joins African Consortium as Ibileye Hails Membership

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, has welcomed the membership of the university’s College of Health Sciences in the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa (COMSA), describing the development as a major step towards increasing the institution’s visibility and strengthening its engagement with medical schools across the continent.

Professor Ibileye spoke during the presentation of the Certificate of Membership of the Consortium to the university management by the immediate past Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Mike Ogirima.

The certificate, dated July 5, 2026, formally recognises the College of Health Sciences, Federal University Lokoja, as a full member of the Consortium of Medical Schools Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to Professor Ogirima for facilitating the university’s admission into the continental body, noting that the development would benefit not only the College of Health Sciences but the entire university.

Professor Ibileye said the university was deeply grateful to Professor Ogirima for ensuring its enlistment into the elite medical schools in Africa, adding that bringing FUL into the consortium had increased its visibility as both a college and a university.

He commended the foundation laid by the former Provost in establishing and developing the College of Health Sciences, describing his contribution as a product of professional commitment and sacrifice.

Professor Ibileye noted that the presentation of the membership certificate represented a continuation of the vision pursued by the former Provost and assured him of the university’s commitment to building on the foundation already established.

He also commended Professor Ogirima for maintaining a cordial relationship with the incumbent Provost, observing that his continued interest in the development of the College demonstrates a strong sense of camaraderie and commitment to institutional growth.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Professor Ogirima’s presence alongside the incumbent Provost demonstrated his continued support for the College and expressed confidence that he would continue to nurture its vision even while on sabbatical.

On behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff and students of the university, Professor Ibileye formally welcomed the membership, describing it as a significant development for the institution.

Professor Ibileye also used the occasion to appeal to the Federal Government to improve the conditions of service and working environment for medical practitioners in the country.

He said creating a more conducive professional environment would help retain qualified medical personnel and reduce the pressure on practitioners to seek better opportunities outside the country.

Speaking earlier, the immediate past Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Mike Ogirima, also addressed the occasion.