Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Kwara State, marked a historic milestone with the professional induction of its first set of Nursing graduates. On this remarkable occasion, the Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, and the entire Faculty of Nursing Sciences, University of Ilorin, for their mentorship and support since the inception of TAU’s Nursing programme in May 2021.

In his remarks, Dr. Adewumi acknowledged the hand of God in the journey of the young faculty and praised the commitment of the University of Ilorin, which, in his words, “opened its doors to mentor Thomas Adewumi University.” He recalled how advocates like Prof. Joel Afolayan and Dr. Godwin Adunmo, both from the University of Ilorin, treated the TAU Nursing project as their personal responsibility, contributing immensely to its successful take-off and rapid growth.

Reflecting on the progress of the pioneer Nursing students, Dr. Adewumi appreciated the parents and guardians who entrusted their children to TAU, even in its early days. He described their trust as a leap of faith, noting that the students have achieved accelerated academic growth. “In less than five years, all 23 students of the pioneer class have become registered nurses, a feat made possible through the dedication of these great mentors and the support of the University of Ilorin,” he remarked.

To conclude his speech, The Chancellor specially recognized Prof. Joel Afolayan, Dr. Godwin Adunmo, and Dr. Saliu Akinwale for their exemplary leadership in steering the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, the Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, and the Department of Physiotherapy, respectively. He highlighted that through Dr. Akinwale’s commitment, TAU now boasts a thriving Department of Physiotherapy and even a Physiotherapy ward. As a mark of appreciation, the trio were each presented with awards and tokens of gratitude.

He further commended the faculty members of Nursing Sciences, most of whom are proud alumni of the University of Ilorin, for their unwavering commitment. A special recognition was given to Mr. Kehinde S. Kolapo for his remarkable contributions to the growth and success of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences. He was also presented with a gift in recognition of his dedication.

The Chancellor described these individuals as “a driving force in TAU’s history,” emphasizing that their collective efforts made the vision of producing the first set of TAU nurses a reality.