The Management of Sam Maris University (SMU) Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, has donated a male training mannequin to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, as part of efforts to strengthen its partnership with the hospital in the clinical training of its students.

The University said the gesture was made in appreciation of the opportunities provided by the medical centre for its students to acquire practical experience in a professional healthcare environment.

Presenting the equipment to the management of the FMC, Owo, on Thursday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Francis Ayodeji Gbore, said the donation was a demonstration of the institution’s appreciation for the centre’s support.

Gbore said the collaboration had enabled students in the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, particularly those studying Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health, to gain hands-on experience during their clinical postings.

He commended the management and staff of the medical centre for their hospitality, mentorship and commitment to helping the students develop professionally.

“We appreciate the opportunity given to our students to learn and gain practical experience in a real healthcare environment. The support from FMC Owo has been valuable to their professional development,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Acting Chief Medical Director of the centre, the Acting Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Bolanle Abiola Akinwonmi, expressed appreciation to the university for the donation.

She described the gesture as a sign of the university’s commitment to building a stronger relationship with the medical centre, adding that continued collaboration could be beneficial to both institutions.

According to her, the presentation represented another milestone in the relationship between FMC Owo and the relatively young university.

“This donation shows that the university is interested in strengthening its relationship with FMC Owo. We believe that this partnership will continue to yield mutual benefits,” Akinwonmi said.

It would be recalled that the donation came about six weeks after students of Sam Maris University began their clinical training at the medical centre.

Since the commencement of the posting, stakeholders at the centre commended the students for their discipline, moral conduct, commitment to learning and professional disposition.

However, Gbore expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to expand, stressing the importance of stronger collaboration between universities and healthcare institutions in producing competent and professionally grounded graduates.

Also present at the presentation were: the Acting Head of Nursing Services, Mrs Obinume, and the Deputy Director, Nursing Continuous Education, Mrs Titilayo Amachi-Ayeni.