The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has commissioned a fully equipped Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory at Bayelsa Medical University in Yenagoa, positioning the institution to align with global best practices in medical education.
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Vice Chancellor, described the event as securing the future of healthcare in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large, recalling that when he assumed office as Vice Chancellor in 2025, he shared his vision encapsulated in the A.S.P.I.R.E. Agenda to transform the university into a globally recognised leader in medical education, research, and innovation.
"Today, as we look at this world class facility, we are seeing the ASPIRE Agenda come to life. You have provided us with the very best, from advanced patient simulators and CPR mannequins to essential surgical and diagnostic kits. We are not just training doctors for today, we are nurturing digital age physicians capable of competing on the global stage," Professor Ogoina stated.
The equipment includes high fidelity adult and pediatric patient simulators, laparoscopic training systems, obstetric trainers, advanced life support mannequins, consultation cubicles, and audiovisual learning systems, enabling students to learn and perfect life saving skills in a zero risk environment before engaging with human patients.
Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, represented by Mr Ene Ette, Acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, noted that capacity building extends beyond oil and gas to ecosystems including healthcare, education, engineering, and logistics.
"Simulation based learning is now the global standard in medical education," Ogbe stated, adding that it allows students to acquire hands on clinical skills, improves decision making, and builds confidence in a controlled, safe environment.
Professor Philip Eyimina, Provost of the College of Medicine, disclosed that the newly upgraded laboratory played a significant role in the institution's recent accreditation verification exercise.
"The presence of a functional, well equipped Clinical Skills Laboratory strongly affirmed our readiness to deliver high quality medical education in line with national standards. In this laboratory, our students will learn essential competencies which include history taking, physical examination, suturing, intravenous access, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, obstetric skills, and emergency response; while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills," Professor Eyimina explained.
Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa State Governor and Visitor to the University, represented by Dr Gentle Emelah, State Commissioner for Education, lauded the NCDMB for providing remarkable facilities, declaring that the institution has the firm support of the State Government as it strives for high academic standards and global reckoning.
