FUMMSA Lauded as a “Mirac.le Baby” by Former FUNAAB VC; ₦1 Million Endowment Announced at Maiden Matriculation Ceremony

The Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA) celebrated its maiden matriculation ceremony on 20th November 2025, with the Fourth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, describing the university as a “miracle baby”.

Delivering the Inaugural Matriculation Lecture titled “FUMMSA: The Making of a Great Citadel of Learning,” Prof. Balogun recounted the determined efforts leading to the establishment of FUMMSA. He highlighted early advocacy for a College of Medicine during his tenure at FUNAAB and applauded the renewed collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, which ultimately realized the vision.

In a major show of support, Prof. Balogun announced a ₦1 million endowment fund in perpetuity, to be invested in low-risk instruments such as Treasury Bills through First Bank or GT Bank. The annual accrued interest will fund the Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun Cash Prize for the best student in Biochemistry in the pre-clinical examination.

Prof. Balogun also acknowledged key stakeholders:

• HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, for leadership in fast-tracking FUMMSA’s approval.
• FMC leadership and the newly inaugurated Governing Council for their support.

He urged FUMMSA to uphold a clear vision, pursue global competitiveness, embrace financial innovation, and ensure disciplined leadership, recommending the establishment of an Honours Roll to recognise contributors to the university’s take-off.

In his goodwill message, the Alake congratulated the matriculants, commending FUNAAB for providing institutional support, and encouraged students to complement their academic “gown” with a symbolic “hood,” representing graduating with excellence and diligence.

Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, expressed delight at witnessing the historic event and appreciated his management and staff for their support in FUMMSA’s emergence. Meanwhile, Prof. Mutiu Arogundade, Vice-Chancellor of FUMMSA, celebrated the successful NUC Resource Verification exercise, congratulated the new students, and emphasized that their admissions were strictly merit-based.

The ceremony was attended by former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; FUNAAB’s Principal Officers; Provost, FCAIB, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu; and members of the prestigious Abeokuta Club, including some of the Alake’s High Chiefs and other eminent sons and daughters of Ogun State.

This event marks a historic milestone for FUMMSA, setting the foundation for academic excellence, disciplined leadership, and sustainable institutional growth