The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Academic), Prof. Sunday Elom and other Principal Officers, of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, on Monday 18th November 2019, at the University Senate chamber, received Members of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, who were at the University on a fact finding tour of the College of Medicine to possibly ascertain whether the University has what it takes to sustain a Medical College and find best ways to run the College.Also present to receive MDCN team wereProvost of The College of Medicine, Prof. Paul Ezeonu, Deans, Directors, HODs and lecturers in the College.


DVC, Prof Elom, making welcome speech

While making welcome speech, Prof. Sunday Elom, apologized for the unavoidable absence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, whom he said, was away on official assignment.He noted that academic activities in the university commenced precisely on 5th November, 2012, with three faculties, including Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and that subsequently, NUC approved Medicine and Surgery Department in2017, which admitted students during the 2017/2018 academic session. Prof. Elom appreciated the Council for the critical role they are playing to ensure quality medical education in Nigeria, stressing that the University has done its best to prepare for the visit and is fully committed to respecting the MDCN position in implementing all resulting recommendations at the end of the exercisein order to ensure standard quality of the progammes. He thereafter wished the team sound mind and success as they undertake the assignment and a fruitful stay in the campus.


Dr. P.A.P Sanusi, making presentation

Dr. P.A.P Sanusi, Registar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, on behalf of the team,appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Management and staff of AE-FUNAI present, for the warm reception given to them and assured them that the team was there to partner the University.Heinformed the University team present that of utmost expectation from the Council is that, for the university to run medical programme, they must have at least one College and three Faculties,which must be headed by the Provost.He explained that the Provost of the College must be on the same page with the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital and that they must come together to take decisions and implement them for successful medical programme. He iterated that every Medical College must have financial autonomy or semi-autonomy and every decision between the Chief Medical Director and Provost must be conveyed to the Vice-Chancellor, on daily basis. Dr. Sanusi, further explained that lecturers at the Medical School should have cross appointments as Honorary Consultants, so that the students are not disrupted in their training during incidences like ASUU strike.


Cross section of Staff of College of Medicine, AE-FUNAI

While appreciating what has been done so far in the University, Dr. Sanusi made recommendations on shortcomings observed as the Council is strongly committed to graduating competent Medical Doctors. He emphasized the importance ofcommunity medicine to assist people in the communities, pointing out the need for the university to provide a bus and accommodation for students at the rural communities, during their community /rural posting.


Prof. E.J.C Uwaga, presenting exit report

On return for the exit report, Prof. E.J.C Uwaga, appreciated the University Management and staff for the efforts put in during the exercise, commending the Vice-Chancellor and University authorities for starting the Medical Education which according to him, is capital intensive. He stated that for Basic Medical School, the rules of engagement are embodied in the Redbook and that the book must be made available to Principal Officers of the School, advising that during the training of students, the school should run smoothly so thatstudents do not have to stay longer than necessary. Prof. Uwaga further recommended that more medically qualified staff should be employed and clinical supplementation paid to them. He on behalf of the team assured management that so far, the University has done well and that the Council is determined, ready and has resolved to partner it to ensure that everything is put in place.


MDCN Team

Prof. Elom received the exit report on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and appreciated the team and promised that urgent measures would be taken to address issues raised in line with the Medical and Dental Council standards.


MDCN Team in group photograph with AE-FUNAI management