The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), through its College of Medicine, has officially flagged off its flagship community engagement initiative Community-Based Learning, Experience and Service (COBLES) designed to train future medical professionals through real-world immersion in rural healthcare challenges. The initiative underscores FUOYE’s commitment to building a strong medical training foundation while addressing grassroots health needs.
The COBLES programme, which commenced at the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti (FETHI) Annex in Igogo-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, brought together over 52 medical students for an intensive field posting. Their fieldwork focused on healthcare delivery, preventive medicine, and public health education in underserved communities. This step places FUOYE’s College of Medicine on a progressive path of combining classroom knowledge with practical community service.
Speaking during the official launch, the Provost of the FUOYE College of Medicine, Professor Olusola Adeeyo, described the COBLES programme as a vital aspect of medical education. According to him, the students were being exposed not only to clinical cases but also to the socio-cultural realities that influence health outcomes. He stressed that the initiative helps students to see firsthand how culture and lifestyle directly affect disease patterns.
He explained further: “Our students are not only diagnosing illnesses but learning the social context in which these diseases thrive. This kind of exposure cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.” The Provost welcomed the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, members of the university management, and other staff who attended the assessment exercise of the programme.
Professor Adeeyo also commended the people of Igogo-Ekiti for their warm hospitality, which, according to him, made the students feel at home since their arrival in the community. He noted that the success of the programme depended largely on the collaboration between the institution and the host community.
In his remarks, Dr. Musbau Olawale, the Chief Medical Director of FUOYE Health Services and adjunct lecturer, emphasized the dual benefits of COBLES. He highlighted that while students learn through community-based experiences, they also provide essential services to the people by diagnosing common health issues and offering preventive solutions.
Similarly, Professor Durowade Kabir, a consultant to the programme and Professor of Community Medicine, elaborated on the students’ responsibilities. He explained that they engaged in house-to-house visits, identifying prevalent health challenges and providing basic healthcare support. He added that their fieldwork would culminate in a community-wide sensitization campaign addressing major health concerns identified in the area.
Professor Kabir applauded the students’ dedication, noting that their work was already yielding positive results. He expressed optimism that the health sensitization exercise at the end of the posting would create lasting awareness and improve the health practices of Igogo residents.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, expressed delight with the programme’s impact, encouraging students to consider rural medical practice as a viable career path. He reminded them that not all doctors would eventually work in urban areas, hence the need to adapt to different environments. “This programme is foundational, and future students will look up to you,” he said.
Professor Shittu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the College of Medicine, describing it as one of the “babies” of the university’s leadership under Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. He assured that all necessary support would be given to transform the College into a leading medical school in Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Kabiyesi of Igogo Kingdom, Professor Adeeyo conveyed FUOYE’s appreciation for the monarch’s hospitality. He said the partnership between the community and the university had created a conducive environment for the students to serve and learn.
In response, the Kabiyesi warmly welcomed the initiative, pledging his continued support. He offered to allocate land for FUOYE to establish a permanent presence in the community. “Igogo-Ekiti has produced some of the finest doctors in Ekiti State. This partnership will strengthen that legacy,” the monarch stated.
Some medical students shared their experiences from the outreach. Ekundayo Adijat, for instance, reported that many households relied on untreated rainwater for drinking, using salt and alum as crude purification methods. She also highlighted the high incidence of malaria due to thick bushes around homes, linking these environmental issues to community health outcomes.
Another student, Great Chukwu-Emeka, observed poor sanitation practices such as open defecation and the use of uncovered wells. He explained that these practices contributed to illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. He added that the students had been actively educating residents on safe hygiene practices to curb these issues.
The outreach was attended by several dignitaries and staff of the university, including Mrs. Eyiolorunpe Divine (Secretary, College of Medicine), Dr. Oyeleke (College Examinations Officer), Mrs. Agbeleoba (Principal Assistant Registrar), Mr. Korede (Internal Auditor), Mr. Foluso Ogunmodede (University Public Relations Officer) and his team, and Mr. Damilola (College Driver). Their presence demonstrated FUOYE’s collective support for the initiative.
In conclusion, the COBLES initiative by FUOYE College of Medicine represents a bold step toward integrating medical training with grassroots healthcare delivery. By immersing students in rural communities, FUOYE enhances experiential learning, addresses pressing health challenges, and strengthens the bond between the university and society. As the programme wraps up in Igogo-Ekiti, both FUOYE and the host community look forward to sustaining this impactful partnership for the benefit of future generations.
