Former Rivers State Governor, and founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili is upbeat that graduates from his pet project, would outclass their contemporaries from other institutions of learning in the country soon as they are turned into the labour market.
Odili, who is the Pro-chancellor of the university made the assertion at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service to mark the institution’s 1st Founder’s Day ceremony on Sunday, said his optimism stemmed from the standard of training being given the students.
He described the university as a gift from God, adding, “as far as Peter and Mary are concerned, God is the sole founder of this university. We are merely the caretakers.”
The former Rivers State governor who attended the ceremony with his wife, Justice Mary Odili, a Justice of the Supreme Court, said the management, staff and students of the first ever privately owned medical sciences university in the country, had every reason to thank God, adding that it’s been so far so good.
“We are humbled by the gift of this university and we shall do everything with the fear of God because we stand on hallowed ground”, he said.
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Rev (Dr) Blessing Chinyere Enyindah stressed the need for Christians to be law abiding to make the society a better place.
The clergyman who praised the University for its Christian foundation, charged all members of the university to be exemplary and not live like some Nigerians who disobey the laws with impunity.
The event which was spiced with beautiful rendition of hymns, praise and worship by the University Choir, had people from all walks of life in attendance.
About 150 students were admitted into four faculties and took part in the institution’s Matriculation Ceremony on Tuesday. The faculties include Allied Health Sciences (AHS); Basic Clinical Sciences (BCS); Clinical Sciences (CS) and Basic Medical Sciences (BMS).
