By Daniel Abia

• As Gov Fubara assures of accelerated transformation of Rivers

Amidst the raging controversy associated with the increase minimum wage for civil servants in some states, the management of PAMO University of medical sciences, PUMS, has promised to double the salaries of all its staff at every level.

Making this disclosure on Friday, the Pro-Chancellor and founder of the university, Dr. Peter Odili said the benevolence was necessary in view of the present economic realities in the country and promised that the institution would also help the 76 fresh graduates of the university to secure a better future for themselves.

This is as the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, assured that his administration was committed to working assiduously towards providing a safer environment for all residents, while creating opportunities to foster prosperity and accelerated transformation across sectors.

The Governor said that despite the senseless political distractions, he is more resolved as always, to leave behind convincing development strides and legacies that will surpass what he inherited.

Governor Fubara spoke at the 4th convocation ceremony of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) held at the institution’s auditorium in Iriebe Community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

At the event, Governor Fubara inaugurated two separate projects: the 500-capacity Sir Siminalayi Fubara Lecture Theatre and the state-of-the-art Medical Library with e-library facilities.

Governor Fubara was also awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his immense and significant contributions to the institution and to society. “We are making and also advancing the course of peace, security and unbiased development in our State as everyone can see and attest to our genuine interest for the State.

“Our mandate is to work with our people to transform our State and communities to a level where we can secure, and enjoy the greatest standards of security, peace and prosperity from the responsible and responsive management of our collective God-given resources.

“While we feel disturbed by the senseless distractions, I wish to assure everyone that we remain focused on the ball, committed more than ever, to deliver on our mandate, and leave the State far better than where we met it.”

He commended the former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili for his foresight in establishing the institution, which he said, stands as a testament of giving back to society while providing excellent medical educational training to young Nigerians.

“Reputed to be the first private medical university in Nigeria, PUMS’s acclaimed mission of providing ‘excellent medical training for the production of world-class medical and health science professionals characterized by the core values of knowledge, discipline and human service’ clearly resonates with that statement that PAMO is prepared, ready and is delivering to Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.

“In this era where the standards of education in our universities are declining, PUMS has established itself as an island of excellence in medical education and training in Nigeria.

“Indeed, only a few medical universities and colleges in this country can boast of the record-breaking progress PUMS has recorded in a few years.”

Governor Fubara promised that the State Government will sustain the partnership with the institution to strengthen the quality of medical education that will further accelerate the transformation of the healthcare delivery system for the better life of the people and the nation.

Odili earlier said that the institution, which has existed for seven years, and has celebrated four convocation ceremonies, has now graduated a total of 223 certified graduands found worthy in character and learning. He expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for offering automatic employment to all 76 graduands awarded degrees at the 4th convocation.