SUMAS Hosts Two-Day Orientation Programme to Foster Academic Excellence and Global Collaboration
By Asogwa Oluchi (PRO SUMAS)
The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), located along Orba-Obollo Afor express road in Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, reached another milestone in its academic journey with the successful hosting of a special two-day orientation program from November 5th to 6th, 2024. The event brought together esteemed scholars, staff, and students to engage in discussions on vital topics in Ethics, Medicine, and Applied Sciences.
As a growing institution, SUMAS organized this annual orientation to welcome both new and returning students, as well as staff, ensuring they are well-acquainted with the university’s values, academic activities, available facilities, and learning procedures. The event was graced by the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Principal Officers, and renowned scholars from both national and international academic circles.
In his opening remarks, Prof. James Ogbonna, Vice-Chancellor of SUMAS, welcomed both the new and returning students to the special orientation programme and emphasized the university’s commitment to hosting similar events in the future, providing students with opportunities to engage with global leaders in various fields. “This is just the beginning. We will continue to create platforms for our students to engage with world leaders in various fields,” he stated.
A key highlight of the event was a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Professor Elmar Kuhn, a distinguished international professor of Ethics from Pestalozzi University, Austria, and a visiting professor to SUMAS. Professor Kuhn, widely known for his contributions to the fields of Ethics and Medical Ethics, captivated the audience with deep insights into the evolution of ethics in medicine. He offered a comprehensive overview of the historical and contemporary relevance of ethics, emphasizing its critical role in shaping societal values and guiding professional conduct.
On the first day of the orientation, Professor Kuhn led both staff and students through the “History of Ethics,” tracing its roots from ancient Greek philosophy to modern-day ethical frameworks across various disciplines. He explained how the concept of ethics evolved over centuries, influencing societal norms and professional conduct. The professor further highlighted the importance of ethical theories in shaping public policy, law, and healthcare systems.
Following this historical exploration, Professor Kuhn transitioned to the “Methods of Ethics,” discussing various approaches to ethical decision-making. The session was interactive, with Professor Kuhn encouraging staff and students to critically analyze real-life ethical dilemmas, particularly in a medical context, and weigh the consequences of their actions.
The university Pro-Chancellor who was unavoidably absent in the person of Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, was represented by Prof. Val Ekechukwu. Prof Val on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, delivered a lecture on “Students of the 21st Century” and “Staff Make a University,” underscoring the crucial role of both students and staff in the development of the institution.
The second day of the orientation focused on several important topics related to the university system. These included: An overview of SUMAS’ academic regulations presented by Prof. Cletus Uche Eze, Dean of Student Affairs, Coping with academic and social life on campus: a student’s perspective by Myiga-Zukwe Martins, Human relationship and stress management: a guide for university students by Prof. Ike Onyishi, A breakdown of the university’s regulations (dos and don’ts) Mr. Anselem Onah, the University Registrar, The use of ICT, e-registration, and ICT facilities by Dr. Ifeanyi Chielo (Ag. ICT Director), Library facilities and their utilization by students, by Dr. (Mrs.) Monica Eze, University Librarian, Campus life and security measures for students and staff by Mr. Joseph Eze (Ag. CSO), An overview of SUMAS’ medical facilities, including the university’s health insurance scheme, presented by Dr. Abugu C. Justice. The orientation also featured discussions on general work ethics, academic excellence, and workplace stress management, with key presentations by renowned professors, including Prof. Jerry Ugwuanyi.
The event at SUMAS was not only an academic exercise but also a platform for fostering international collaboration. Professor Kuhn’s involvement in the orientation was part of a larger initiative to strengthen global partnerships between SUMAS and leading academic institutions worldwide. This is in line with the university’s long-term goal of integrating international perspectives into its curriculum and research, which the two-day orientation program successfully showcased.
Students, primarily majoring in medical and applied sciences, had the unique opportunity to interact closely with world-class scholars in an intimate setting. This allowed them to gain valuable insights that will undoubtedly shape their academic and professional futures.
As the two-day orientation concluded, it was evident that the discussions initiated by Professor Kuhn and other scholars would leave a lasting impact on the SUMAS community. The event reinforced the growing importance of integrating ethics into the medical curriculum and its influence on better patient outcomes, policy decisions, and global healthcare systems.
With the success of the two-day orientation program, it is clear that SUMAS is poised to be a leader in medical education and ethical discourse for years to come.
