My Take On The Establishment Of A University Of Medical Sciences By The Ebonyi State Government -Dr. Laz Ude Eze

I must commend the Ebonyi State Government for establishing a University of Medical Sciences. I must confess, it suits my bias. I’ve always wanted a world class medical training institution within Ebonyi State, I pray this newly approved institution grows to become one.

As a health professional, I see a lot of opportunities it will bring to the state if well managed. It will bring quality healthcare closer to our people, create additional jobs and contribute to medical research, training and overall medical education. It has the potential of not just making Ebonyi a destination for medical tourism but also quality medical training.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jesse Uneke is a renowned expert in health policy and systems research. He established the Who-recognized African Institute for Health Policy and Systems in Ebonyi State University and has been training many public health professionals at the postgraduate level. He has a positive attitude and I believe he will give the institution a strong foundation.

However, I share the concerns of many Ndi-Ebonyi on the lack of transparency in the process of establishing the university. Many have questioned how it started as EBSU College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital, to King David University of Medical Sciences and now Engr. David Nweze Umahi University of Medical Sciences. There are fears or suspicions that the university built with public funds may be converted to a private university. Many have also expressed fears over the survival of the Medical training in EBSU. These are genuine concerns. I encourage the state government to address them without further delay, because public confidence and trust must not be taken for granted. No matter the good intentions or lofty dreams of the founders of the Medical University, the institution may not perform up to expectation without the support of Ebonyi people.
Ebonyi State is a signatory to Open Government Partnership (OGP) and should apply its principles in all its dealings, one of which is transparency and openness in all dealings of government.

I want the new University of Medical Sciences Uburu to succeed and shall play any role expected of a patriotic citizen. But I once again call on the Ebonyi State government to address the concerns and questions being raised by many Ebonyians. The institution must be insulated from the not-so-pleasant political climate of the state. May Ebonyi State succeed more.

Dr. Laz Ude Eze
Convener, Oganihu Ebonyi