Education
THE Peter And Mary Odili (PAMO) University of Medical Science, Port Harcourt, has advised its new students to shun all forms of social vices in order to excel in their studies.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Christie Mato, gave the advise during the university’s seventh matriculation for the 2023/2024 session in Port Harcourt.
Mato said that the university has zero tolerance for certain vices that may be permissible in other universities.
“There is zero tolerance for cultism and cult-related activities, zero tolerance for harassment, bullying and fighting, zero tolerance for examination misconduct and malpractice, zero tolerance for stealing and zero tolerance for substance abuse.
“Every student is expected to meet a minimum of 75 per cent attendance at lectures, practicals, seminars and other activities in the programme.
“A student with less than 75 per cent attendance is not qualified to sit for the examination for that course and automatically fails the course,” she said.
Mato further admonished the students not to abuse the processes and rules guiding their accommodation in the university.
She said: “Beloved students, by swearing to the Oath of Admission and signing the Matriculation Register, you have become bona fide students of PAMO University of Medical Sciences; Congratulations.
“Therefore, let us hit the ground running to actualise that dream of being the best we can, having due regard for the code of conduct of the university, showing respect for your lecturers and your colleagues, and working hard to make your family and theniversity proud.
“I know you all have the capacity to excel, so let’s do it.”
Mato said that the institution had 797 students in the various programmes.
“Today, 198 students are matriculating, with approximately 76 per cent in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme.
“All the students on scholarship obtained that scholarship on merit.
“No student on scholarship paid to be on the list, it was purely on merit, upholding our vision of excellence and core values of discipline and integrity.
“We wish to most sincerely appreciate the Pro-Chancellor, Dr Peter Odili, for catching and running with the God-given vision which gave birth to this university.
“It is amazing that in such a short time, that small seed has germinated and become this blossoming citadel of learning that is fast becoming a household name in quality medical education.”
She commended the magnanimity of former Gov. Nyesom Wike in offering scholarships to 100 Rivers students admitted into the university every year since its inception.
“We also appreciate our present amiable and peace-loving Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for continuing with that legacy and adding another 50 students to make the number of scholarship students 150,” she said.
In a speech, Odili urged the students to take pain to study their handbook and obey the rules guiding the university.
“You have heard the vice-chancellor tell you about zero tolerance. It means zero.
“So, parents do not come begging when there is an infringement because the consequences are clearly spelt out,” he said.
The former governor said that the institution was determined to produce professionals in health care, “who people would queue up to make sure they were treated by such doctors”.
He advised students to report any member of staff that harassed them in anyway to the school authority.
“Do not be afraid to report. Do not suffer and die in silence, Council will take action.
“You have heard that we are ranked high in the country for female enrollment.
“Any female student that tries to, in the opposite direction, harass the staff, report that student and action will be taken,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by prominent Rivers indigenes, including Justice Mary Odili (rtd.) as well as top Rivers Government functionaries. (NAN)
19th March, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: PAMO
