The Rivers State Government has granted automatic employment to 76 graduates of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt.

This announcement was made by the institution?s Pro-Chancellor and founder, Dr Peter Odili, during its fourth convocation ceremony held on Friday at the university campus.

Odili, a former governor of Rivers State, also announced a 100% salary increment for all university staff, aligning with the state?s new minimum wage regulations.

He stated that PAMO has produced 223 graduates who have been trained in both character and learning.

He said, ?We have certified them in character and learning because, at PAMO, we have zero tolerance for cultism, gangsterism, sorting, harassment, and above all, drugs.

?We are passionately and unapologetically committed to enforcing zero tolerance. At any point during your course of study, if you are found infringing on any of these rules, you will be shown the way out, no matter how close you are to graduation.?

Odili added, ?I have the permission of the Chairman of the board to confirm and announce that, in compliance with the minimum wage regulation, all staff salaries are doubled.

?Now coming from the Governor, who has, through his Ministry of Health, given automatic employment to all the graduates of this university.?

He described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a resilient leader who has remained steadfast despite political distractions in the state.

?His Excellency, the Governor, is a dogged fighter. He is resilient and has stood firm to govern. There is no Governor in Nigeria who has faced the challenges he (Fubara) has encountered,? Odili stated.

During the event, Fubara inaugurated two projects: the 500-capacity Sir Siminalayi Fubara Lecture Theatre and a state-of-the-art medical library equipped with e-library facilities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration?s commitment to fostering a safer environment, creating opportunities for prosperity, and driving accelerated transformation across various sectors.

Despite political distractions, Fubara expressed his determination to leave behind a legacy of impactful development.

Fubara was also conferred with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his significant contributions to the institution and society.

He said, ?We are advancing the cause of peace, security, and unbiased development in our state. Our mandate is to transform our state and communities to achieve the highest standards of security, peace, and prosperity through the responsible management of our God-given resources.

?While we are disturbed by senseless distractions, I assure everyone that we remain focused and committed to delivering on our mandate and leaving the state far better than we found it.?

The governor commended Odili for his vision in establishing PAMO University, noting that it stands as a testament to giving back to society by providing excellent medical education to young Nigerians.

Fubara added, ?Reputed to be the first private medical university in Nigeria, PAMO?s mission of producing world-class medical professionals reflects its commitment to excellence in education and training.

?In an era where the standards of education in universities are declining, PAMO has established itself as an island of excellence in medical education and training in Nigeria.?

The Chancellor of PAMO University, Abdulsalami Abubakar, praised Fubara for continuing the scholarship scheme and increasing it from 100 to 150 students, describing the move as inspiring.

In her address, Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christie Mato, noted that the institution has full accreditation for all academic courses across its four faculties from the National Universities Commission and other regulatory bodies.

Of the 76 graduates, Mato said, three earned First Class Honours; 23 graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division); 25 with Second Class Honours (Lower Division); and 25 obtained Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees. (The PUNCH)

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