The management of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, has paid a courtesy visit to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to explore potential areas of collaboration in research, medical training, and institutional development. The visit, which took place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, was held at the office of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH.
The delegation from PCU was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adejumo, who stated that the purpose of the visit was to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the two renowned institutions. He noted that such a partnership would enhance PCU’s academic profile and create new opportunities for students and staff in the areas of medical sciences, research, and community health engagement.
Prof. Adejumo explained that PCU, a faith-based institution committed to excellence in teaching and research, has continued to expand its academic programmes, particularly in the sciences and health-related disciplines. He added that the University was eager to tap into the wealth of experience available at UCH, one of Nigeria’s foremost teaching hospitals.
Highlighting PCU’s vision, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the institution is strategically positioned to produce graduates who will contribute to Nigeria’s health and educational sectors through innovation, ethics, and service. He said the collaboration would not only strengthen PCU’s academic delivery but also improve the practical exposure of its students in clinical and laboratory-based courses.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, warmly welcomed the visiting team and expressed delight at the proposed partnership. He noted that UCH has a long history of collaborating with universities and research institutions, both locally and internationally, in order to advance health education and medical innovation.
Prof. Otegbayo emphasized that partnerships such as the one being proposed by PCU help bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students gain real-world experience in clinical settings while universities benefit from applied research opportunities.
He, however, stressed the importance of adhering to institutional guidelines, ethical standards, and due process in formalizing such collaborations. According to him, the University College Hospital operates under established protocols to ensure that all partnerships align with national and professional regulatory frameworks.
The CMD reaffirmed UCH’s readiness to support academic institutions that demonstrate commitment to capacity building, community health improvement, and medical research advancement. He added that the hospital remains open to structured collaborations that would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system through education and innovation.
Members of the PCU delegation included the Registrar, Mrs. Esther Ajayi; the Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Michael Adewale; and the Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Olubunmi Folarin, among others. The team expressed gratitude to the CMD and his management staff for the warm reception and constructive engagement.
Both institutions agreed to set up a joint committee to explore specific areas of collaboration, including student internships, joint research projects, staff exchange programmes, and capacity development workshops. The meeting concluded with an exchange of goodwill messages and a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to academic excellence and societal development.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, Prof. Adejumo expressed optimism that the collaboration would soon yield tangible outcomes, particularly in research partnerships and student mentorship initiatives. He described the visit as a step toward building bridges between academia and healthcare service delivery.
