The Kwara State Hospitals Management Board on Tuesday received a high-level delegation from Al-Hikmah University at the Specialist Hospital Sobi, Ilorin, as preparations continue for the launch of clinical training for the university's medical students.

The delegation's visit was geared towards identifying and evaluating appropriate spaces within the hospital complex for the construction of critical academic and training infrastructure. The assessment covered designated areas for lecture halls, administrative blocks, laboratories, and student accommodation, all aimed at creating an enabling atmosphere for instruction, study, and clinical practice.

Addressing the gathering during the facility tour, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, noted that the visit highlighted the mutual dedication of both organisations to enhancing medical education and healthcare provision across Kwara State.

"This assessment visit is a crucial step toward ensuring that our facilities are properly structured to support quality medical education and efficient service delivery. We are committed to providing the enabling environment required for the successful training of medical students within our hospitals," Dr. Malik stated.

He further affirmed the Kwara State Government's readiness to support the seamless commencement of the collaboration with Al-Hikmah University for the benefit of the state and the nation at large. The Al-Hikmah University team was headed by its Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abdul-Raheem Oladimeji, OFR, who was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. L. F. Oladimeji, alongside other senior officials and key management personnel of the institution.

The Founder conveyed his gratitude to the Kwara State Government for deeming the university fit to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) permitting the training of its medical students at the state-owned facility.

"We are deeply grateful to the Kwara State Government and the Hospitals Management Board for this opportunity. Al-Hikmah University remains fully committed to meeting all stipulated standards and ensuring that the proposed University Teaching Hospital attains global best practices," Alhaji Oladimeji remarked.

The Jagunmolu of Igbaja Land and founder of the institution vowed that every necessary standard would be rigorously observed in the establishment of the proposed University Teaching Hospital, consistent with the university's international standing and reputation.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. L. F. Oladimeji, praised both the Kwara State Government and the Founder for what he termed a landmark accomplishment in the advancement of medical education within the state. He gave assurances that both academic staff and students would uphold the utmost standards of behaviour, and that all requisite infrastructure to guarantee a suitable teaching and learning setting would be established.

The university delegation extended its thanks to the KW-HMB for its collaborative spirit, giving firm assurance that the institution would satisfy all prescribed conditions for the successful launch of the programme.