The Edo State Government has expressed support for a new partnership between Mudiame University, Irrua, and Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, aimed at improving the training of medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will allow students from the university’s health-related programmes to receive clinical training at Edo Specialist Hospital.
The agreement is expected to give students the practical experience needed to complement classroom learning and prepare them for careers in the healthcare sector.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, said the state government remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen healthcare education and improve the quality of healthcare services.
According to him, partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare facilities are important in producing competent professionals who can meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.
He noted that the government would continue to support efforts that contribute to the development of the health sector and help train the next generation of healthcare workers.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Edo State Ministry of Health, including the Permanent Secretary and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Andrew Iyamu. Also present were members of the management teams of Edo Specialist Hospital and Mudiame University.
The Chief Medical Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, formally presented the approved Memorandum of Understanding to the Vice-Chancellor of Mudiame University, Professor Emmanuel Aluyor, before both institutions completed the signing process.
The partnership comes months after the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved Mudiame University to commence its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.
As part of the requirements for running a medical programme in Nigeria, universities are expected to establish affiliations with accredited hospitals where students can undergo clinical training and gain hands-on experience in patient care.
With the new arrangement, Mudiame University students will have access to Edo Specialist Hospital for clinical postings, practical training, and other academic activities required for their professional development.
Speaking after the signing, Professor Aluyor described the agreement as an important step in the university’s plans to build a strong medical education programme.
He disclosed that the institution has already admitted its first set of medical students and is currently preparing to admit another batch.
According to him, students in the MBBS programme begin clinical training from their third year, making it necessary for the university to secure partnerships with established healthcare institutions ahead of time.
Professor Aluyor said the university was pleased to have secured the support of Edo Specialist Hospital, adding that the collaboration would ensure students receive quality practical training when they reach the clinical stage of their studies.
Beyond medical students, the partnership will also benefit students studying Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science, providing them with opportunities to learn within a professional healthcare environment and gain practical skills relevant to their fields.
Healthcare experts have often highlighted the importance of clinical exposure in the training of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, noting that practical experience plays a major role in preparing graduates for real-life medical situations.
For Edo State, the partnership is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare manpower by helping to produce well-trained professionals who can serve in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities across the country.
Established five years ago, Mudiame University has continued to expand its academic offerings, with increasing focus on programmes that address critical workforce needs in sectors such as healthcare.
The collaboration with Edo Specialist Hospital is expected to play an important role in supporting the university’s healthcare programmes while contributing to the broader goal of improving medical education and healthcare delivery in Edo State.
