Mudiame University Partners Edo Specialist Hospital for Clinical Training of Medical Students

Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, to provide clinical training opportunities for students enrolled in its medical and health-related programmes.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to strengthen practical healthcare education and ensure that its students receive quality hands-on experience in a recognised healthcare institution.

The symbolic signing ceremony was held in Benin City and was attended by key officials from the Edo State Ministry of Health, led by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Edo State, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, **Dr Andrew Iyamu. Also present were the management team of Edo Specialist Hospital, including the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Anthonia Njoku, and other hospital management staff, as well as the management team of Mudiame University led by the Chancellor, Prof Sunny Eromosele , Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Aluyor, the Registrar, and other university officials.

The collaboration follows the approval granted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in October 2025 for Mudiame University to commence its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.

As part of the requirements for running an accredited medical programme, universities are expected to affiliate with licensed healthcare institutions where students can undertake clinical training and gain practical experience as part of their medical education.

Following discussions between both institutions, Edo Specialist Hospital agreed to open its facilities to Mudiame University medical students, creating a platform for clinical learning, research, and professional development.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote quality healthcare education and strengthen the state’s health system.

He noted that the partnership demonstrates the government’s support for collaborations that will contribute to the training of competent healthcare professionals and improve healthcare delivery in Edo State.

“We are having this MoU today to show that we take health seriously. We will do our best, our level best, to support the university and strengthen this collaboration,” Dr Oshiomhole said.

He added that Edo Specialist Hospital remains committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that students receive quality training.

“We are committed to research and we are prepared to go to any length to ensure people have good and standard quality healthcare services. Keep our good hands and your students are going to be well trained here,” he stated.

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 the official signing of the agreement.

Speaking after the signing, Professor Aluyor described the partnership as a major achievement in the university’s drive to provide quality medical education and practical exposure for its students.

He explained that the university has already admitted its first set of medical students and is currently preparing for its second set, noting that the clinical aspect of the MBBS programme begins from the third year.

“We did our first set of medical students. As we speak, we are in the process of admitting our second set of medical students,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

“As you know, the clinical aspects of the training commence in their third year. So we have already commenced the process and we have assured ourselves that when our students get to the point where they need clinical training, we have a very strong health institution supported by the Edo State Government that will provide that clinical training for our students.”

According to the university management, the partnership will extend beyond the MBBS programme and also support students in other health-related disciplines, including Nursing Sciences (BNSc) and Medical Laboratory Sciences (MBLS), by providing access to practical learning experiences within a professional healthcare environment.

Established five years ago, Mudiame University has continued to expand its academic programmes, with a commitment to delivering quality education and producing graduates equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to excel in their chosen professions.

The partnership between Mudiame University and Edo Specialist Hospital is expected to further strengthen medical education in Edo State and contribute to the development of a new generation of healthcare professionals capable of meeting the growing needs of the healthcare sector.