Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, in Ebonyi State, has matriculated 1,044 students into various academic programmes, with the institution commending the educational reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for strengthening the nation’s university system.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Jesse Uneke, stated this during the institution’s 5th matriculation ceremony held on March 7, 2026.
He said the Federal Government’s policies had significantly supported the growth of the institution, particularly through improved funding and efforts to ensure stability in Nigerian universities.
Uneke noted that the university community was grateful to President Tinubu for the “Renewed Hope” agenda, which he said had boosted the education sector and strengthened collaboration with academic unions.
He added that the government’s agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had helped maintain academic stability across Nigerian universities.
“We are grateful to the Federal Government for infrastructural development, equipping of facilities and support for staff development through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund),” he said.
The vice-chancellor explained that the institution had recorded significant growth since it was granted recognition by the National Universities Commission on July 7, 2021.
According to him, the NUC later approved six faculties with 19 departments to run 17 academic programmes, including Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy and Biomedical Engineering.
Uneke recalled that the university commenced full academic activities on January 24, 2022, with just 26 students, but the population rose to 701 by January 2023.
“As of today, the students’ population has grown to 3,759,” he said, thanking parents for entrusting the institution with the education of their children.
Uneke disclosed that the 1,044 newly admitted students were drawn from eight faculties.
Out of the total, 361 are males, while the majority are females.
The Department of Nursing Science admitted 140 students, including 19 males and 121 females, while the Department of Medicine and Surgery admitted 166 students, comprising 59 males and 107 females.
The vice-chancellor said the university had maintained high academic standards through the recruitment of highly qualified lecturers, many of whom possess doctoral degrees and clinical fellowships.
He added that the institution had also digitised its academic processes, including electronic verification of admission credentials through the databases of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
According to him, the university also integrates computer-based testing into examinations, while financial transactions and administrative processes are conducted digitally.
Uneke further stated that the university exposes students to research early and provides access to international academic databases, with a target of ensuring that each student accesses at least 300 electronic textbooks in their discipline before graduation.
The vice-chancellor highlighted several community service initiatives by the institution, including free extramural classes for students in Uburu and surrounding communities preparing for WAEC, NECO and university entrance examinations.
He also noted that the university was implementing a respiratory disease control project in three industrial areas of Ebonyi State in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
The project, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), provides free screening and treatment for residents while offering practical field experience to public health students.
He added that the university’s Ultramodern Eye Centre had treated 3,731 patients free of charge between February 2025 and February 2026, including 195 cataract surgeries, while more than 1,500 eyeglasses were distributed.
Similarly, the university’s Ultramodern Cancer Centre recorded 239 cancer patients treated within the last year, with 230 patients recovering, representing a 96 per cent recovery rate.
Uneke emphasised that the institution maintains strict disciplinary standards, noting that 29 students were sanctioned within the last year for offences ranging from examination malpractice to drug use and cyberbullying.
He disclosed that three students were expelled, 10 suspended for one year, while others received varying disciplinary measures.
The vice-chancellor urged the new students to focus on their studies and avoid misconduct, warning that the university’s regulations are strictly enforced.
“Your parents have invested so much to bring you here. Take your studies seriously and conduct yourselves in a way that will make them proud,” he said.
Uneke also urged parents to complement the university’s efforts in guiding their children, stressing that discipline and academic success require collaboration between families and the institution.
