The journey of COOU’s Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences is marked by a series of remarkable milestones and perseverance in the face of challenges. The faculty began its mission by admitting its first cohort of medical students in 2003, intending to cultivate a new wave of healthcare professionals. However, by 2007, the program faced an unforeseen suspension due to limited resources and lack of accreditation. Rather than halting its mission, the faculty adapted by developing Bachelor of Science (BSc.) programs in Anatomy and Physiology, ensuring that enrolled students could continue their education uninterrupted.

A year later, in 2008, the medical program was successfully reinstated, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prof. F.C. Akpuaka, who joined COOU on a sabbatical and spearheaded the program’s revival. This pivotal moment enabled the faculty to steadily advance towards academic prominence. By 2012, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical Council officially approved the faculty’s medical program, allowing for the admission of a new batch of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students. Alongside the MBBS program, a Postgraduate Program was launched, underlining the faculty’s commitment to fostering advanced medical research and academic achievement.

Guided by Esteemed Leaders

Leadership has been a defining factor in the faculty’s journey, with esteemed deans and department heads shaping its evolution. Each of these leaders has brought a unique vision and set of skills that have elevated the faculty’s standards. Notable deans, including Prof. F. C. Akpuaka, Prof. W. C. Nwafia, Prof. P. O. Ughachukwu, Prof. I. J. Okafor, Prof. F. N. Ogwuike, and Prof. I. J. Okafor, have contributed immensely to the faculty’s development and the fulfillment of its mission. Departmental leaders like Prof. W. C. Nwafia, Dr. P. Ogugua, and Dr. A. A. Nwakanma in Anatomy, and Dr. C. M. Nwozor and Rev. Sr. Dr. C. N. Dim in Physiology, have diligently overseen their respective departments, ensuring academic integrity, research growth, and student engagement.

These leaders have infused the faculty with a commitment to professional and academic standards that shape the character of each graduating class. Their contributions have established the faculty not just as an academic institution but as a nurturing ground for future leaders in the healthcare sector.

A Commitment to Academic and Medical Excellence

The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at COOU is built on a mission to integrate foundational medical knowledge into the lives of students while producing graduates poised to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system. This mission is underpinned by a set of core values that emphasize academic excellence, ethical conduct, and service to society. These values resonate throughout the faculty’s curriculum, teaching methodology, and research initiatives.

By emphasizing a hands-on approach to medical education, the faculty ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the human body, as well as the societal and ethical considerations that accompany healthcare practice. The rigorous programs in Anatomy, Physiology, and the MBBS curriculum are designed to instill a comprehensive knowledge of medicine, foster analytical thinking, and encourage a compassionate approach to patient care. Graduates from these programs emerge with a robust academic foundation and the practical experience required to navigate the complexities of healthcare.

Academic Programs: Building a Foundation in Medical Science

The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences offers a variety of academic programs tailored to equip students with the knowledge and skills essential for their careers. The Anatomy and Physiology programs provide an in-depth understanding of the human body’s structure and function, emphasizing how these areas inform medical practice and research.

The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, the faculty’s flagship course, is designed to deliver a comprehensive medical education that spans foundational sciences, clinical skills, and applied patient care. The program is structured to guide students through the complexities of human anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, and clinical medicine, preparing them for diverse roles in healthcare. Additionally, postgraduate programs in Anatomy and Physiology offer an advanced level of specialization, allowing students to explore research opportunities, teaching, and academic scholarship in medical sciences.

Research and Innovation: Pioneering New Frontiers

A core aspect of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences’ mission is its dedication to research and innovation. By creating an environment that fosters scientific inquiry, the faculty encourages students and faculty members to engage in pioneering research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges. Research initiatives span diverse fields, from clinical studies to innovations in medical technology, with the goal of advancing healthcare both in Nigeria and globally.

The faculty collaborates with healthcare institutions, research organizations, and government agencies to pursue research that has a direct impact on community health. Through these partnerships, the faculty not only contributes to the body of medical knowledge but also brings practical solutions to health challenges affecting the region. This focus on research-oriented education enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Admission and Registration: Selecting the Best and Brightest

The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences maintains rigorous admission criteria to attract the most qualified and committed candidates. For undergraduate applicants, eligibility hinges on achieving credit-level passes in five subjects, including Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, and securing a minimum Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score of 250 for the Medicine and Surgery program. These standards ensure that only the most capable students gain entry, setting a high benchmark for academic performance.

Postgraduate admissions require candidates to have completed a first degree with a specified cumulative grade point average (CGPA), thereby guaranteeing that advanced students possess the foundational knowledge necessary for specialized study. Once admitted, new students undergo a streamlined registration process to facilitate a smooth transition into the faculty. This process includes printing admission letters, paying the acceptance fee, and completing all required documentation and clearance procedures.

The faculty prides itself on offering support and guidance throughout the registration process, ensuring that all incoming students are well-prepared for their academic journey. By upholding stringent admission and registration standards, the faculty fosters an environment of intellectual rigor and dedication.

Student Experience: Nurturing Professional and Personal Growth

At the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, student life goes beyond academics, encompassing a holistic approach to personal and professional development. The faculty provides students with numerous opportunities for hands-on experience through clinical rotations, laboratory work, and research projects. These experiences are vital in bridging the gap between theory and practice, helping students develop the skills necessary for effective patient care and medical research.

Moreover, the faculty emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and empathy in healthcare. Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, students learn the significance of professionalism, respect for patients, and adherence to medical ethics. This focus on character-building ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and responsible healthcare providers.

Future Targets: A Vision for Sustainable National Development

Looking to the future, the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences aims to expand its impact on Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. The faculty is committed to producing graduates who are not only skilled but also possess a holistic character, capable of contributing to sustainable national development. By continuously enhancing its curriculum, investing in research facilities, and forging partnerships with healthcare institutions, the faculty is poised to become a leading institution in medical education and research.

The faculty’s vision includes creating a generation of healthcare professionals who are equipped to address the challenges of the future, from emerging diseases to technological advancements in medicine. By instilling a sense of responsibility, critical thinking, and resilience in its students, the faculty is preparing them to lead and innovate in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.