KWASU Medical Students Showcase Community Health Experience After COBES Posting

300 level students of Medicine and Surgery of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, recently concluded their Community Based Experience Scheme (COBES) with oral presentations of their field experience during the one month spent in communities where they engaged residents on key health issues and conducted community-based research.

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Moyosore Saliu Ajao in his opening remarks at the presentation on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Auditorium of Kwara State University described the programme as a cardinal aspect of training medical doctors.

He stressed that COBES is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of community health, particularly in rural areas where healthcare challenges differ significantly from those found in urban centres.

 "Rural communities often face peculiar health challenges related to access to healthcare services, sanitation, and public health awareness, and COBES helps students develop a community-based approach to managing health issues," he added.

The students were divided into three groups, and the groups were posted to Asomu, Elemere, and Malete communities, where they conducted interviews and research on community health.

Representatives of the host communities were in attendance at the presentation to demonstrate their goodwill and support for the scheme.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, the Magaji of Asomu, Mallam Ahmad Idris, expressed delight at activities of the students in his community. He noted that the students comported themselves with dignity and maturity throughout their stay and interacted respectfully with members of the community.

He commended the University for its commitment to quality medical education and added that the community is already looking forward to receiving the next batch of students.

Similarly, the officer in charge of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Malete, Mrs. Rashidat Balogun, who represented the Head of the Health Department of Moro Local Government Area, praised the students for demonstrating professionalism and discipline during the programme.

She noted that the students represented the University excellently and expressed the readiness of the health centre to welcome future groups for subsequent postings.

Other dignitaries present included Alhaji Saadu Alakar, who represented the Daudu of Malete; Alhaji Ambali Akanbi, who represented the Magaji Elemere Oke; Mr. Ibrahim Ambali representing Magaji Malete; Mallam Ahmed Abdulazeez; and Mallam Ayub Luqman.

Health officials in attendance included Mrs. Adegbite Janet Oyekunle, the Officer in Charge of the Primary Health Centre in Elemere; Mrs. Idris Riskat, the Officer in Charge of Asomu Primary Health Centre; and Alhaji Jimoh Akanbi, who represented the Director of Elemere Primary Health Centre.