The Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Sir Kelvin Chukwu, has applauded the transformation of the Federal School of Dental Technology, into the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, describing the upgrade as a landmark stride in advancing healthcare education and research in Nigeria.
The federal institution, which was elevated to university status by the Federal Government last year, is now poised to transform healthcare education in Nigeria and beyond, expand access to modern allied health training, and reposition Enugu as a regional hub for medical innovation and entrepreneurship.
L-R: Senator Kelvin Chukwu in a strategic discussion with Vice Chancellor Prof. John Emaimo at the Federal Allied University of Health and Sciences, Enugu – charting a new path for entrepreneurship-driven healthcare education. (Photo credit: Senator Chukwu’s Media)
During a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor John Emaimo, earlier today, Senator Chukwu expressed delight at the elevation, noting that the development marks “a new dawn in allied health education.” He commended the leadership of Prof. Emaimo for steering the institution through a period of significant change and pledged his continuous support in ensuring the university meets the required standards.
The lawmaker emphasized that education must now move beyond the classroom into practical impact, stressing that institutions like the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, should pioneer solutions to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges while creating opportunities for young people. He assured the management of his commitment to facilitate collaborations and partnerships for the institution.
In his remarks, Prof. Emaimo outlined a bold vision for the institution, stressing that the focus is to redesign allied health programs in a way that produces self-reliant graduates. According to him, “what we have in mind is to restructure our direction so that people who graduate from this university will not be looking for jobs but will be equipped to create opportunities for themselves.”
The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that the university is developing an innovative academic model where students will graduate with both a Bachelor’s degree in their field of specialization and a professional diploma in entrepreneurship. He explained that this dual qualification will set the institution apart by merging clinical competence with entrepreneurial skills.
“This system,” Prof. Emaimo said, “will empower our graduates not only with professional knowledge but also with the business acumen to establish and manage successful ventures in the health sector. The ultimate goal is to make them employers of labour rather than job seekers. We are building a new generation of healthcare professionals who will shape the nation’s future.”
Senator Kelvin Chukwu (L) exchanges a warm handshake with DVC Professor Nwadinigwe, as Vice Chancellor Prof. Emaimo looks on – a symbol of collaboration between government and academia to transform healthcare education in Nigeria. (Photo credit: Kelvin Chukwu’s Media)
Senator Chukwu, in response, praised the Vice Chancellor’s vision, assuring that he would leverage his position in the National Assembly to attract federal support and partnerships that would strengthen the university’s infrastructure, research, and capacity. He noted that institutions with forward-thinking leadership, such as Prof. Emaimo’s, deserve every form of support to scale up their ambitions.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Nwadinigwe, who was present during the visit, lauded the senator’s solidarity and stressed that the institution is ready to work with stakeholders to build a stronger future for healthcare education in Nigeria. GMTNewsng
