HEALTH

Godfrey Okoye University inaugurates Board of College of Medicine to improve standards

Maureen Ikpeama2 months ago2 months ago13513 mins

Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu- Nike, Enugu,Nigeria , Monday, 26, January,2026, inaugurated the University ‘s Board of College of Medicine with a charge on members to safeguard the quality and integrity of medical education, research, and clinical training through policies and measurable guidelines.

Performing the inauguration of .the board at the Ugwuomu- Nike main campus of the University, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, Emetitus Professor Dr. Bato Okolo named His Royal Majesty, Igwe Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, Eze Osuofia 1 of Obinofia Ndiuno Ancient Kingdom , who doubles as Pro- Chancellor, Chairman of the Governing Council , Godfrey Okoye University, the Chairman of the board.

Board members and some of the University’s ‘s management team.

He also announced the Vice- Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev Fr Prof Dr. Christian Anieke, the Alternate Chairman of the 11- man board of the College. Prof Dr. Frank Akpuaka, Provost College of Medicine, Godfrey Okoye University,( member) Prof Dr. Amaechi .U. Katchy, Chief Medical Director, GOUNITH, (member) Prof Dr. Iheuko Sunday Ogbonna,ya, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences( member) , Prof Dr. Chidi Unegbu, Dean Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences,( member) Dr. Peter Nuener,, Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Linz, Austria( member).

Other Board members are Prof Chika Ugochukwu, Department of Nursing Sciences, GO-Uni, Dean ,Faculty of Basic Clinical Medicine, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Rehabilitation, and Dr. Peace Chidi Ike,Registrar, Godfrey Okoye University.( Secretary).

Highlighting the success stories of the College of Medicine, Prof Okolo said the College of medicine was four years and the pioneer students performed credibly well in their second MB examination, recording 100,% success with 9 Distinctions.

He disclosed that they were working hard, and looking forward to when they will record a 100% distinction.

Prof Bato Okolo

Reading a 10-point terms of reference to the Board members , Emeritus Prof Okolo charged the members to establish and review major policies that guide the College operations, including academic standards, financial management, and human resources. ; Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

He charge them to ensure the College has adequate resources, including infrastructure, equipment, and personnel, to fulfill its educational mission ; Act as ambassadors for the College, Work to enhance the public image of the College, Build strategic partnerships, and promote its reputation among government bodies, professional organizations, donors, and the wider public..

He also charged the members to promote transparency, responsiveness, and community involvement in service planning and delivery; Safeguard the quality and integrity of medical education, research, and clinical training through policies and measurable guidelines ; Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, regulatory, and accreditation requirements; Ensure the maintenance of ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all decisions, Approve and monitor strategic plans, ensuring they reflect current needs, educational goals, research priorities, and the university’s expectations.

Other charges are to ensure that the university’s mission and goals remain relevant to national needs and societal expectations; Ensure that College appointments are in line with the university appointments and conform to the academic and administrative staff ratios in staff hiring.,

Ensure that only excellent academic, administrative, and clinical staff who can multitask are hired in line with university regulations on staff employment; Draw policies to ensure the financial health of the College with regard to budgets, expenditures, safeguard of assets, and long-term financial sustainability..

Prof Okolo also charged the board on risk Management and Institutional Integrity, noting that the Board identifies and oversees major risks facing the College, including academic, financial, clinical, legal, and reputational risks. “It ensures systems are in place for quality assurance, ethical research, and crisis management”, Prof Okolo said..

Members were also charged on support for research, innovation, and clinical services.

“The Board promotes an environment that supports high-impact research, innovation, and ethical clinical practice. It encourages partnerships with hospitals, research institutions, government, and industry where appropriate.,” the terms of reference read.

Prof Okolo was confident that the Board will shape the College of Medicine and the medical field , strengthen the College’s foundation and upholds it’s values.. He urged the members to approach their mandate with visions, uphold the highest ethical standards

He disclosed that members were carefully selected, expressing the confidence that the board will strengthen the foundation of the College of Medicine, the quality and the high standard set.

The Board of Trustees chairman thanked members of the Board of College of Medicine for accepting the appointment

VC, Rev Fr. Prof Christian Anieke delivering his address.

In his address , the Vice Chancellor of the University and the Alternate chairman of the Board, Rev Fr Prof Christian Anieke, said the College of Medicine was established in 2022, with three programs, Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry and had 450 students on campus

He said the Pioneer students performed well in their Second MB examination and that “the University has got it right in the College of Medicine”.

He announced that the DNA Center of the University which is the biggest in West Africa had been completed and will be commissioned soon..

DNA centre, Godfrey Okoye University

The Vice- Chancellor assured that the Board will do it’s best to be recognised as the best College of Medicine.

In his speech, the chairman of the Board of Godfrey Okoye University College of Medicine,HRM Igwe Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke , described College of Medicine as “a very important academic department of any University.” He said establishment of the College in Godfrey Okoye University, marks another notable academic landmark.

HRM Igwe Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke

“It is an invitation to the world to see the Godfrey Okoye University as having been truly matured by adding another important academic discipline after a few earlier ones like Law and other professionals programs”.

He said the board will brainstorm on the qualities that should positively distinguish the College of Medicine from other. Colleges of Medicine

” Most important will be the human and academic quality contents of our staff and the students we admit to the medical program.” ,he said.

Prof Dr Peter, board member

He assured that the board will continue to support academic excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.. He promised that the board will ensure the required infrastructure and academic needs of the College were provided.

” We will strengthen research that addresses the health needs of our communities and contributes to global medical knowledge. We will champion ethical leadership, accountability and good governance,” the Board chairman said.

.He thanked the Promoter of the University and Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese ,Most Rev Dr. Callistus Onaga, the Vice -Chancellor, Rev Fr Prof Christian Anieke, the management, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Akpuaka, and his team for their resilience and dedication that had positioned the College as a place of excellence in medical education, research and service.

*The mission of a College of Medicine is not only noble and demanding. We are entrusted not only with educating future physicians ans Scientists, but with shaping professionals who embody compassion, integrity and a lifelong commitment to service.

“In an era of rapid scientific advancements, evolving health challenges and increasing societal expectations. Our responsibility has never been greater,” he said.

The members of the board took time to speak. They promised to work for the upliftment of the College of Medicine and the University through collaborations , deploying their expertise in the development of policies and operations of the College .

Highlight of the event was the inspection of the DNA centre of the University.