The Rivers State Government has offered automatic employment to 76 graduates of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt. The announcement was made by the institution’s Pro-Chancellor and founder, Dr. Peter Odili, during its fourth convocation ceremony held on Friday.
Dr. Odili, a former governor of Rivers State, also revealed a 100% salary increment for all university staff, aligning with the state’s new minimum wage policy. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and discipline, noting that PAMO has so far produced 223 graduates.
### **Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline**
Odili stressed that PAMO maintains strict standards, with a zero-tolerance policy for cultism, harassment, drugs, and other misconduct. He said, “At PAMO, we are unapologetically committed to enforcing these rules. Any student found violating them will be expelled, no matter how close they are to graduation.”
### **Governor Fubara’s Contributions Recognized**
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was present at the event, inaugurated two major projects: the 500-capacity Sir Siminalayi Fubara Lecture Theatre and a state-of-the-art medical library with e-library facilities.
Fubara, lauded for his resilience and governance despite political challenges, was conferred with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his significant contributions to the institution and the state.
In his address, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to fostering security, peace, and development in Rivers State, stating, “We remain focused on delivering our mandate to leave Rivers better than we found it.”
### **PAMO’s Legacy of Excellence**
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christie Mato, highlighted that PAMO has full accreditation for all its programs and continues to excel in producing world-class medical professionals. Among the 76 graduates this year:
– **First Class Honours:** 3 students
– **Second Class Honours (Upper Division):** 23 students
– **Second Class Honours (Lower Division):** 25 students
– **Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Degrees:** 25 students
### **National Recognition**
Chancellor Abdulsalami Abubakar commended Governor Fubara for increasing the state’s scholarship program from 100 to 150 students, calling it a testament to the administration’s dedication to education and empowerment.
Dr. Odili also praised PAMO’s impact, describing it as a beacon of hope for quality medical education in Nigeria, especially amid declining standards in the sector.
