SUMAS HOLDS 3RD MATRICULATION CEREMONY AS GOVERNOR MBAH’S ADMINISTRATION EXPANDS FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES
The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State held its 3rd matriculation ceremony on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, officially welcoming 1,225 new students to the institution.
The event was graced by Professor Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, who represented Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and Deputy Chairman of ALGON, Enugu State, and The Vice-Chancellor of the school, Professor James Chukwuma Ogbonna, delivered the matriculation address, highlighting the university’s rapid growth and academic strides.
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming SUMAS into a world-class institution. He commended the university’s rapid growth, infrastructural development, and academic strides, emphasising that the state government would continue to invest in education, research, and healthcare to empower future generations. He urged the newly matriculated students to embrace discipline, excellence, and innovation, assuring them of a conducive learning environment that fosters global competitiveness.
Professor Ogbonna announced that 1,199 students gained admission, while 26 transferred from other universities, marking a 58% increase in enrolment compared to the previous year. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has also increased SUMAS’ total admission quota to 2,800 students following an inspection.
Infrastructure development is progressing rapidly, with several projects completed or nearing completion. The Teaching Hospital Phase One (Outpatient Department) and the Mother and Child Hospital are awaiting commissioning. SUMAS has also been connected to the National Grid via the 33 KVA National Transmission Company facility at Nru Junction. In addition, the university has expanded its solar-powered facilities across administrative buildings, hostels, and faculties. The installation of Starlink equipment has further improved internet connectivity.
Ongoing construction projects include the main library and the engineering workshop, funded by TETFund, both set for completion in the third quarter of 2025. These developments align with the Mbah administration commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning and research facilities.
SUMAS has introduced three new programmes: Public Health, Health Administration & Hospital Management, and Industrial Physics; becoming one of the first Nigerian universities to offer first-degree courses in these fields. The institution is also expanding its global footprint through academic partnerships and faculty exchange programmes. A Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship has been secured for a professor from West Virginia University, who will spend three months at SUMAS, bringing expertise and equipment. Also, visiting professors from the UK, Austria, and Germany are already contributing to the university’s academic excellence.
The university is currently engaged in 32 research projects under TETFund Institutional-Based Research, covering various areas, including artificial intelligence applications in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University (Germany), Kyoto University (Japan), and the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Another notable research area is Microalgae Biotechnology, with plans to establish Africa’s first Microalgae Culture Collection Centre. Notably, SUMAS is conducting research on malaria control through biological methods.
To enhance academic accountability, SUMAS has implemented biometric lecture attendance devices, allowing parents to monitor their wards’ academic performance via the school portal.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to focus on their academics, warning against cultism and examination malpractice. In the 2023/2024 session, three students were expelled and five suspended for one year over misconduct, while one student is currently under police investigation.
On a positive note, SUMAS recorded the highest number of NELFUND beneficiaries in Enugu State, with 189 students receiving school fee refunds and monthly stipends. Parents were encouraged to ensure their wards apply for the 2024/2025 NELFUND programme.
Professor Ogbonna expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah for his unparalleled support in making SUMAS a centre of excellence. He reassured parents and students that the university is committed to producing world-class graduates equipped with academic, technical, and entrepreneurial skills.
With these rapid strides, SUMAS continues to position itself as a leading institution in medical and applied sciences education in Nigeria.
