5TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF PAMO UNIVERSITY OF MEDCIAL SCIENCES

PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt held her 5^th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2021/2022 academic year at the University Auditorium on Thursday, 24^th March, 2021.

The Matriculation Ceremony was declared opened by the Vice Chancellor, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Professor Michael Diejomaoh who also gave the Matriculation address. The Vice Chancellor in the Matriculation address warmly welcomed all to this great institution and noted that 150 students who have been admitted by UTME were joining PUMS in the 2021/2022 academic year.

He recalls the magnanimity of His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Rivers State – Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (Africa) who has graciously supported the University with capital projects and also the award of scholarship since its inception to students who are indigenes of Rivers State to undertake their courses in the various fields of medical sciences at PUMS. “PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) has attained great strides since its inception. All our undergraduate courses fully are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).” He also stated that in this year 2022, PUMS shall be graduating her first set of students in the professional areas of Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science.

He further reminded all the matriculating students that the university has zero tolerance for cultism, drugs and other related-vices. Any student found to indulge in these, will be summarily expelled. “You are expected to be law abiding, obey all rules and regulations as written or stated in the student handbook” he said. Finally he congratulated the students, their parents and the Rivers State Government who have sacrificed so much to give quality education to you all at PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS).

The Deputy Registrar of PMAO University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Akie Opuene Hart led the students in signing the Matriculation Oath.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili CON, KCSGG, GSSRS, KSJI – Former Governor of Rivers State who was ably represented by Sir Dr. A. Sambo, mni, Member of Governing Council, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, in his address highlighted two (2) key points of this matriculation activity which include the official recognition of the freshmen as bona-fide students of PUMS and to

remind the students on the fundamental guiding principles and core values of this institution.

He also stated that looking from four (4) years till today, PUMS has success stories and it is the first and only private university in Nigeria that was established within just a space of one year of receiving its license. “A promise was made that no student will spend a day extra from the conventional number of years assigned to that particular program.” he said. PUMS has graduated her first set of students within four (4) years and they are already undergoing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He said it is worthy to note that PUMS has been rated by the NUC as:

1^st among universities in programmes with full accreditation
35^th best out of 200 universities in Nigeria
19^th best private university in Nigeria, and
1^st in female students enrollment index in Nigeria

He further assured the parents that the university council will continue to see to the maintenance of this standard and will continue to improve on the facilities that are being provided. He noted that PAMO University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital will be ready before the end of this year 2022 with over two hundred and fifty (250) beds.

He stressed that the reason why PUMS is so insistent in character, ethics and value is due to the fact that what defines an individual is neither knowledge nor money. “You may be the most educated person on earth but if you don’t have ethics and good cultural orientation, you’re not complete especially in a profession like ours and no patient will confide in you.” he said. Hence, he pleaded with the parents to help the university management in monitoring the performance and conduct of their children always.

He concluded by congratulating the students and their parents on behalf of the university Council, prayed for their success and finally reassured the students that the university staffs and management will always be available to resolve any challenge that they face. A total of 150 students matriculated at the ceremony that was attended by all Deans, Heads of Departments and Units, some academic and non-teaching members of staff. The host community and press were not left out.