Wesley University Moves to Enhance Research and Innovation in Primary Healthcare
Wesley University, located in Ondo State, has announced significant initiatives to advance research, training, and innovation in primary healthcare. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to position the institution as a hub of academic excellence and global collaboration in healthcare education. The university's leadership emphasized the urgent need to address gaps in rural healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
Call for Government Action on Community Health
During the inaugural International Conference on Community Health held at the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Obeka, made a compelling appeal to the government. He urged a reconsideration and meaningful reallocation of resources towards community health development. Prof. Obeka highlighted that rural areas in Nigeria are particularly underserved, making community health a critical sector requiring immediate attention in the national budget.
The conference, which attracted participants from across Nigeria and the international community, served as a platform to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in community health practice. Prof. Obeka stressed that this event would strengthen the university's growing role as a center for academic excellence and global collaboration in healthcare education.
University Growth and Inclusive Education Initiatives
Under Prof. Obeka's leadership, Wesley University has experienced substantial growth. The number of academic programs has increased from 23 to over 64, reflecting the institution's commitment to expanding its educational offerings. Additionally, the university has established a dedicated facility for deaf education, providing interpreters and accommodation support for hearing-impaired students. This initiative underscores Wesley University's dedication to inclusive and accessible education.
Prof. Obeka expressed confidence in the university's future, stating, "Wesley University, by the grace of God, continues to grow as a hub for the production of professionals, academic doctors, associate professors, and professors. We are confident that this institution will increasingly become a brain box for this nation, particularly in the training of academicians, scholars, and researchers in the field of community health."
Conference Objectives and National Impact
The International Conference on Community Health aimed to examine community health from multiple perspectives—global, national, and local—and critically assess its impact on the economy. Discussions also explored mental health and other vital medical aspects within the community health framework. Prof. Obeka emphasized that the conference would provide a platform to address pressing health challenges facing Nigeria, propose viable models, and develop practical solutions.
He added, "I am confident that at the end of this gathering, we will arrive at resolutions that will contribute significantly to national growth and the advancement of community health."
Recognition from Health Practitioners and University Leadership
Dr. Bashir Idris, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN), commended Wesley University for hosting the conference. He described it as a major step forward in the development of community health education in Nigeria. Dr. Idris praised Prof. Obeka's leadership and vision, noting that his contributions are positively impacting both the profession and the country at large.
Prof. Dayo Duyile, Dean of the College of Social and Management Sciences at Wesley University, also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to the growth and transformation of the institution. He expressed appreciation to the CHPRBN, conference participants, and stakeholders for their unity and contributions to the event's success, assuring continued support from the university management for the advancement of community health education.
