Gov Mbah re-affirms commitment to development of SUMAS  as  University matriculates 1,888 students

…. Holds free medical outreach 

Governor of Enugu state , Dr. Peter Mbah  has re-affirmed his administration’s  commitment to the development of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences ( SUMAS) Igbo-Eno, Nsukka, through the implementation of far- reaching and transformative  programmes which  included the signing of SUMAS Teaching Hospital Bill, 2024.

He said the Bill was  for the establishment of  a full – scale teaching hospital in Enugu state

He made this known in his speech at the  Fourth Matriculation  ceremony of SUMAS ,  held on Saturday,17 Th  January,2026 at the University’s  faculty of Medical sciences arena..

Prof George Ugwu Governor ‘s Representative

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof.( Dr.) George Ugwu, Governor Mbah added  that the  appointment of Prof Hughes Umezulike Okafor as the pioneer Chief Medical Director  of the Teaching hospital was part of the far-reaching decisions to the development of the University.

Throwing more  light on SUMAS, Governor Mbah said, ” the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences SUMAS Igbo-Eno , is a specialized, practice- oriented institution deliberately established to deliver world- class medical and applied science education. It’s mandate is anchored  on modern infrastructure, a robust  research  agenda and hand- on clinical training that directly responds  to contemporary and emerging healthcare needs.

“The University is therefore well- positioned to produce highly skilled medical and allied health professionals who are globally competitive and capable  of meeting both national and international standards.

” Beyond training, SUMAS is envisioned as a hub for research , innovation and community – oriented  healthcare delivery. It’s strong emphasis on applied sciences, clinical excellence and  ethical  practice aligns seamlessly with the Enugu state Government ‘s  broader  agenda of human capital development and sustainable healthcare transformation “, he said.

To the students he advised , “today is the beginning of a journey to the services to humanity. Learn your trade meticulously,. We enjoin you to finish at appointed time, we want you to practice your trade with good conscience.

Commissioner for Environment and Climate change Prof Sam Ugwu, son and family members

He encouraged the students to take full advantage of the opportunities available in the University and respect  their lecturers and mentors and embrace innovation , remain steadfast in their academic and personal development., saying, “Always know that your training here transcends personal success . It is ultimately about service to humanity “.

The Governor thanked the  Rotary International  Club for  the free medical services they brought to the University

From L-R- Speaker ,RT. Hon. Uche Ugwu , Commissioner for Health, Prof George Ugwu and Commissioner for Environment and Climate change Prof Sam Ugwu

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof James Ogbonna,  said  a total of  1,888  students were admitted  to study various courses in  the 2025/2026 SUMAS academic session..He  urged  the students  to obey the school regulations, and avoid social vices such as examination malpractices, cultism, and other criminal offenses.

Cautioning the students against ill behaviours, the Vice Chancellor said the institution has zero tolerance for social vices and  it strictly apply it’s academic regulations to the offenders.

He   disclosed that the admission into SUMAS was  increasingly becoming very competitive and in some programmes, they could not admit up to 10% of the numbers that applied.

“Today, we are formally admitting one thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight (1,888) candidates that have been selected to study various courses in SUMAS. A total of one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight were admitted through JAMB while twenty students transferred their admission from other local and international universities. This represents a fifty-four percent (54%) increase on the number that matriculated last year. This sharp increase did not come about by accident. Rather, it is stakeholder response to, and acceptance of a brand that continues to position as a game-changer in Nigerian Higher Education firmament.

” We make bold to state without equivocation that our stature and fame is moving ahead of us. We are living true to our commitment to world-class curriculum content and sustainable infrastructure development. SUMAS is rapidly becoming the institution of choice for discerning seekers of quality, globally competitive higher education in Nigeria,* he said..

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students  to  consider themselves privileged to have been among the few that were admitted to study in SUMAS, advising that they should ensure that they attend their  lectures , study very hard and  make every single day spent in SUMAS a worthwhile experience.

Assuring them of their safety, the Vice- Chancellor said, ” there are always challenges of adjusting to life in a new environment but be rest assured that we are here to guide you. On your own part, . Aside from your lecturers and academic advisers, our Career Centre has competent staff to counsel you in both career and social life.

” It is important to note that some seemingly simple mistakes you make now can define your life. Do not think that because your parents are not here to closely monitor your activities, you can do whatever you like. Freedom goes with responsibility. You must always think of your actions and inactions because the consequences of not doing well in your examinations or of getting into trouble can be devastating and usually very difficult to remedy. 

“We also urge you to make great friends and build quality relationships while you are here, as these will eventually become part of your growth ecosystem in society”, Prof Ogbonna said.

He disclosed that  Recourse Verification and Accreditation by Professional Bodies and the National Universities Commission were carried out in the University.

“In the 2024/2025 academic year, various professional bodies including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria, and the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria all came for resource verification and/or accreditation of our Medical and Allied Health programmes.”, he said.

The Vice- Chancellor disclosed that during the same period, the National Universities Commission (NUC) conducted its statutory accreditation exercise for 15 programmes that were due for accreditation. He said “while the official results are not yet out, the various teams expressed their satisfaction with the academic content, infrastructural facilities and personnel quality.

 “It is important to note that Medicine and Surgery had earlier received full accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for the first professional examination. As this flagship program progresses smoothly to higher level, we remain focused to sustain our trajectory. Accreditation processes for the remaining eleven programmes are scheduled for October this year, and we are already putting finishing touches to our preparation”, he said.

On Infrastructural Development, Prof Ogbonna said the 2024/2025 academic year witnessed a lot of improvement in  infrastructure. On research and development, he said  they were  funding a total of thirty-two projects through the TETFund Institutional-based research.

“Furthermore, we attracted two major research grants from the National Research Fund. One of the research projects is on malaria control while the other is on the application of Artificial Intelligence in aid of students with visual disabilities. Over sixty-three million naira has already been released for these two projects.

Prof Ogbonna announced that 635 had benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) which was started by the Federal Government in 2023 to ease the financial difficulties some parents are experiencing in paying school fees for their children and wards. He urged students to key into the scheme

On health Care  , the Vice Chancellor said  the University ‘s teaching hospital has been completed waiting for commissioning. Also completed is the 100- bed  Mother and Child hospital. He added that  the 20 bed students medical  centre was undergoing renovation for better service delivery.

He  also spoke on Medical Mission by Rotary International Club in collaboration with the  Enugu State Government saying, the  Medical Mission will provide free critical surgical services to citizens of Enugu State over the next two weeks. The services include General Surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dental Care, Ophthalmology and Eye among others. He urged the community to go for the free  medical care.

He thanked the  Visitor and  Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah for his commitment to making SUMAS a great institution. 

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the chairman of the  Enugu state Council of  Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu I thanked the immediate past Governor of Enugu state ,RT. Hon( Dr)Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for establishing the University. He also thanked the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for his support to the University.

HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu

He spoke on education loan and thanked president Tinubu for instituting  Nigerian Education  Loan Fund , NELFUND. He encouraged students to access the loan to pay their school frees, noting that it is free  and repayment is until the students start working.

The Royal father asked those up to 18 years to obtain their voters cards,  and join a political party of their choice. He urged the students to adhere to the rules of the University.

Speaking with newsmen, the chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area,Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze said SUMAS is located in two local government areas, Udenu and Igboeze  South Local Government Areas and the host Local Government Areas have been supportive to the University, providing security to the students and social amenities. 

Hon Ferdinand Ukwueze, Chairman, Igboeze South Local Government Area

He said his administration drilled borehole  at the University, ,providing portable water to the  institution.

 Hon Ukwueze added that the communities close to the University provided accommodation to the students who wanted to reside off campus 

The matriculation ceremony was well attended. Parents , family members , friends and well wishes of the students were in their numbers to celebrate with their loved ones.

 Enugu state Commissioner for Environment and Climate change , Prof Sam Ugwu, whose son, Chijioke Ugwu, a 100 Level Medical student also  matriculated, expressed joy that his son was offered Admission in the University. He described the University as fast growing. 

Prof Ugwu commended  Enugu state  Governor , Dr. Peter  Mbah for his  commitment to the development of the University which was founded by the immediate past Governor of Enugu state, RT. Hon. (Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Chijioke Ugwu

One of the students, Chijioke Ugwu could not hide his joy of being a student of the University. He expressed joy that he was offered his dream Course of study, medicine. He promised to study hard  and graduate with  a good result