A dispute between the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) and PAMO Medical University in Port Harcourt has put the careers of over 600 medical students on scholarship by the Rivers State government at risk. The students are currently pursuing various medical programs, including Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, and Medical Laboratory Science. The crisis began when the House rejected the 2026 budget for PAMO University, specifically the N6 billion allocated for scholarship obligations.
The RSHA had summoned PAMO University to appear before it to explain the use of the N6 billion funds, but the university sought court protection, arguing that the House had prematurely declared it guilty. In response, the House issued a warrant of arrest for the Vice Chancellor of PAMO University, citing alleged refusal to appear before it. The university's Registrar, Peter I. Akubuiroh, stated that the institution had avoided escalating the dispute to prevent disruption to the medical education of the students.
PAMO University has continued to bear the costs of tuition, feeding, and accommodation for the students, despite outstanding school-fee payments. The university emphasized that it has fulfilled its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding with the Rivers State government. The scholarship scheme, initiated by former Governor Nyesom Wike, has enabled Rivers State students to access medical education that may have been beyond their means.
The university stated that it had responded to the House's invitation by sending an official representative, but the House declined to recognize the representative and refused to accept the letter and supporting documents. The university's statement also highlighted that the Rivers State Ministry of Education holds the records of transactions, agreements, and dealings between the university and the state government.
The dispute has its roots in the relationship between Wike and the Peter Odili family, which deteriorated when Wike and Governor Sim Fubara entered into a conflict. The House's actions have raised concerns about the impact on the medical students' education. The students remain enrolled across various programs, and the university expects the first Doctor of Physiotherapy students to graduate in due course.
PAMO University's programs hold full accreditation from the relevant regulatory bodies, and graduates have completed their programs on schedule. The university emphasized that it has kept the students on campus despite the outstanding payments, demonstrating its commitment to their education. The crisis has sparked concerns about the stability of medical education in Nigeria.
The RSHA's actions have sparked a heated debate about the role of government in funding medical education and the autonomy of private universities. The dispute highlights the need for clear communication and collaboration between the government, universities, and stakeholders to ensure the smooth delivery of medical education. The fate of the 600 medical students remains uncertain as the dispute continues to unfold.
Key points
- Over 600 medical students' careers are at risk due to a dispute between the Rivers State House of Assembly and PAMO Medical University.
- The dispute centers on the N6 billion funds allocated for scholarship obligations, which the House claims were not properly utilized.
- The university has fulfilled its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding with the Rivers State government, according to its Registrar.
