Founded in 2010, the Faculty of Clinical Medicine was established to coordinate the academic and clinical training of 500 and 600 level medical students, preparing them for their future careers as doctors. Since then, the faculty has grown in stature and reputation, becoming one of the leading medical schools in Nigeria. It offers a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both theoretical and clinical aspects of medicine. This degree program ensures that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice medicine at the highest levels of professionalism.

The faculty has consistently maintained a high standard of education, reflected in the quality of doctors it has produced. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in COOU’s history, as the university embarked on a mission to provide medical education that aligns with global best practices.

Milestones and Achievements: A Legacy of Excellence

Since its establishment, the Faculty of Clinical Medicine has celebrated several significant milestones. Among its most notable achievements is the successful graduation of nine sets of medical doctors who are now practicing in various parts of Nigeria and around the world, including Europe and America. These graduates have distinguished themselves in their residency programs and professional careers, underscoring the high-quality education they received at COOU.

One of the faculty’s proudest accomplishments is the number of distinctions earned by its students in critical medical disciplines such as Pediatrics, Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Medicine. These achievements reflect the faculty’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to provide students with the rigorous training needed to excel in their medical careers.

The faculty has also seen remarkable growth in its academic staff. When the Faculty of Clinical Medicine was first established, it had only one professor. Today, the faculty boasts 13 professors, a testament to its dedication to strengthening its academic and clinical programs. These professors are leaders in their respective fields and play a critical role in shaping the future of medical education at COOU.

Leadership Legacy: Previous Deans of the Faculty

The Faculty of Clinical Medicine has been led by distinguished deans who have each made significant contributions to its development. Their leadership has been instrumental in guiding the faculty through its growth phases and maintaining its standards of excellence.

1. Professor E.C. Ojiyi (2010 – 2012)

   As the pioneer dean, Professor Ojiyi laid the foundation for the faculty’s academic and clinical programs. His leadership was crucial during the early years, helping to establish a strong base for the faculty’s future success.

2. Professor P.U. Nze (2012 – 2018)

   During his tenure, Professor Nze expanded the faculty’s academic offerings and strengthened its clinical training programs. His contributions helped increase both student enrollment and faculty recruitment.

3. Professor E.C. Ojiyi (2018 – 2020)

   Returning for a second tenure, Professor Ojiyi focused on enhancing the faculty’s research output and deepening its partnerships with healthcare institutions, further elevating its status in the medical community.

4. Professor O.S. Ejiofor (2020 – Present)

   The current dean, Professor Ejiofor, has continued the tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, the faculty has made significant strides in expanding its research initiatives and improving the quality of medical education, including strengthening the MBBS degree program.

Departments: Comprehensive Clinical Training Across Key Disciplines

The Faculty of Clinical Medicine offers students comprehensive clinical training across five key departments, ensuring they receive a well-rounded medical education. These departments form the backbone of the MBBS program, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.

1. Department of Pediatrics

   Students in the Department of Pediatrics are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of childhood illnesses. The department emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care and prepares students to handle a wide range of pediatric conditions.

2. Department of Community Medicine

   This department focuses on the broader aspects of public health and preventive medicine. Students learn about disease prevention, healthcare systems, and epidemiology, equipping them to address community health challenges and improve population health outcomes.

3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

   The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides comprehensive training in women’s health, covering areas such as pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. The department prepares students to become specialists in both clinical practice and research in obstetrics and gynecology.

4. Department of Surgery

   Students in the Department of Surgery receive hands-on training in surgical techniques and patient care. The department covers a wide range of surgical specialties, from general surgery to trauma, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in the operating room.

5. Department of Internal Medicine

   This department focuses on adult health and the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Students receive training in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology, preparing them for careers in internal medicine.

Academic Excellence: Producing World-Class Doctors

The MBBS program at the Faculty of Clinical Medicine is renowned for producing medical doctors who excel both academically and professionally. The program is designed to equip students with the comprehensive knowledge and clinical skills needed to thrive in the medical field. Graduates of the MBBS program at COOU are well-prepared to take on the challenges of the medical profession, with many of them going on to pursue residency programs at prestigious hospitals in Nigeria, Europe, and America.

The faculty’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in the high number of distinctions earned by students in key medical disciplines. These distinctions are a testament to the faculty’s rigorous academic standards and the dedication of its professors to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Research and Innovation: Pioneering Medical Breakthroughs

The Faculty of Clinical Medicine is not only focused on clinical training but also on advancing medical research. The faculty’s professors and researchers are actively involved in innovative research projects that address critical health challenges in Nigeria and beyond. These research efforts contribute to the global body of medical knowledge and help improve healthcare delivery at the community level.

Students in the MBBS program are encouraged to engage in research as part of their education, gaining valuable experience in clinical trials, public health initiatives, and epidemiological studies. This hands-on research experience is crucial for developing critical thinking skills and contributing to evidence-based medical practices.

Mission and Philosophy: Building Character and Knowledge

The Faculty of Clinical Medicine at COOU is driven by a clear mission: to build the best medical school in Nigeria. This mission informs every aspect of the faculty’s operations, from its rigorous academic standards to its commitment to producing doctors who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary for delivering quality healthcare.

The faculty’s philosophy aligns with the university’s motto, Knowledge for Development.” It emphasizes the importance of both character and knowledge in medical practice. Graduates of the MBBS program are not only skilled in modern medical techniques but also possess the integrity, compassion, and professionalism required to provide exceptional healthcare.

Admission Requirements: Your Pathway to an MBBS Degree

Admission into the Faculty of Clinical Medicine’s MBBS program is highly competitive, reflecting the faculty’s reputation for excellence. The admission requirements align with COOU’s guidelines for entry into the Medicine and Surgery program. Prospective students must meet specific academic qualifications and pass the necessary entrance examinations to be considered for admission.

The faculty looks for students who not only demonstrate academic prowess but also show a passion for medicine and a commitment to improving healthcare. Once admitted, students embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey that prepares them for successful careers as medical doctors.

Future Goals: Preparing the Best Medical Doctors in Africa

As the Faculty of Clinical Medicine looks to the future, it remains committed to achieving its ambitious goals. One of the primary objectives is to produce the best medical doctors in Nigeria and Africa. This goal is being pursued through continuous improvements to the MBBS program, expansion of clinical training opportunities, and a strong emphasis on research and innovation.

The faculty is also focused on building stronger partnerships with healthcare institutions and research organizations both locally and internationally. These partnerships provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, clinical placements, and collaborative research, further enriching their medical education.