By Babs Oyetoro
The Ogun State Government has formally handed over the lease document for the Government Model College, Onijanganjangan, Abeokuta, named after Professor Adeoye Lambo, to the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), in another significant demonstration of the state government’s commitment to the growth and consolidation of the newly established specialized university.
The handing-over ceremony took place at the office of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, at the Ogun State Government Secretariat Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The development marks an important milestone in the evolving partnership between the Ogun State Government and FUMMSA, particularly as the University continues to expand its operations and establish the institutional infrastructure required to fulfil its mandate.
The Commissioner, who received the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatiu Abiola Arogundade, and the principal officers of the University, was joined at the ceremony by Directors and other senior officials of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Leading the University delegation, the Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the sustained support extended to FUMMSA since the University commenced operations in 2025.
Professor Arogundade described the handing-over of the lease document as a significant development in the University’s relationship with the State Government, stressing that the support received from the government had contributed immensely to the University’s ability to navigate the critical early phase of its development.
According to him, the establishment and growth of a new university require more than statutory approvals and academic programmes, noting that strategic institutional support, appropriate facilities and a responsive host environment are equally important to the successful take-off and consolidation of such an institution.
The Vice-Chancellor paid glowing tribute to Governor Abiodun for what he described as his administration’s steadfast commitment to the University’s development, particularly the willingness of the State Government to collaborate with FUMMSA in addressing some of the infrastructural and operational requirements confronting the institution at its formative stage.
He also acknowledged the contributions of various ministries, departments and agencies of the Ogun State Government whose officials, according to him, worked behind the scenes to facilitate the process leading to the formalisation and handing-over of the lease document.
Professor Arogundade commended the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Arigbabu, and the officials of the Ministry for their cooperation, describing the successful conclusion of the process as a product of inter-agency collaboration and a shared commitment to the development of education and healthcare in the state.
He noted that the facility would provide additional institutional space for FUMMSA as the University progressively develops its permanent structures and expands its academic, administrative and support services.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that FUMMSA was not merely an institution located in Ogun State but a strategic national asset whose development would have significant implications for medical education, healthcare delivery, research and human capital development in the country.
He therefore reaffirmed the Management’s commitment to ensuring that the University’s presence in Ogun State translates into tangible benefits for the people of the state and its immediate communities.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives capable of advancing education and human capital development.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and institutions of higher learning, noting that the development of strong educational institutions remained central to the socio-economic advancement of the state.
He expressed optimism that the partnership between the Ogun State Government and FUMMSA would continue to yield positive outcomes, particularly in the areas of education, research, healthcare and community development.
The formal presentation of the lease document thus represents more than the transfer of an official instrument. It signals the institutionalization of another layer of support for FUMMSA as it progresses from its formative stage towards becoming a fully developed centre of excellence in medical and health sciences education.
For the University Management, the development also reinforces the importance of strategic partnerships in building a sustainable institutional foundation. With the support of the Ogun State Government and other stakeholders, FUMMSA is positioning itself to deepen its academic activities, strengthen its administrative structures and progressively expand its contribution to the healthcare and educational ecosystem.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and principal officers of FUMMSA, including the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Tajudeen Adeniran Badmus; Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Olukayode Gregory Obayomi; Bursar,Mrs. Olufunso Omolola Adedokun; and University Librarian, Dr. Idayat Odunola Agboola.
The event ended on a note of renewed partnership, with both sides expressing confidence that the relationship between the Ogun State Government and FUMMSA would continue to strengthen as the University advances towards the realisation of its institutional mandate.
