Overview and History of Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State

 
In the evolving landscape of higher education in Nigeria, the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) stands as a purposeful initiative dedicated to health sciences, nutrition, and allied medical research. Situated in the historic town of Ila-Orangun in Osun State, the university is more than just a new institution—it’s a strategic step toward addressing the country’s growing need for qualified health professionals, researchers, and innovators. In a nation where health challenges—ranging from infectious diseases to non-communicable conditions, and from community health disparities to the burden of medical tourism—are increasingly complex, FUHSI offers a focused environment where students can train, learn and eventually lead change with a scientific and compassionate mindset.

Choosing FUHSI means entering a space purposely built for medical and health-related education rather than a broad-based university with many different unrelated disciplines. The emphasis on health sciences and nutrition ensures that students are immersed in curricula, facilities and a community culture aligned with real global health demands. Moreover, its location in Osun State also adds a contextual dimension: students studying here are part of a region that benefits from improved health-education infrastructure, and the institution itself has the opportunity to contribute to local ecosystems of care, research and community health engagement. As the university grows, it offers early enrolments the chance to be pioneers of culture, research, campus life and innovation. In the sections below, we’ll explore FUHSI’s website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation and recognition, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and the (emerging) alumni story—all in a humanised, informative and educative way.

##Official Website
The official website for the university is: https://fuhsi.edu.ng/Through this portal, prospective students, researchers, faculty and wider stakeholders can access admission details, programme lists, news/announcements, contact information, and links to student portals. It serves as the primary public face of the institution and provides a first impression of its ethos and priorities (for example: “Learning and Character for Healing”). 
fuhsi.edu.ng

##Motto
FUHSI’s banner-phrase is “Learning and Character for Healing” (as seen on the website). 

This motto communicates that the university’s mission is two-fold: acquiring knowledge (learning) and cultivating integrity/ethics (character), all in service of healing—both individual healing (patients) and collective healing (communities, health systems). It signals that students are not just to become professionals, but responsible human beings anchored in values.

##Founder
The founder of FUHSI is the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the approval given in 2021 for a new specialised health-sciences university in Osun State. 

This initiative falls within the federal education policy to expand access, fix regional imbalances, and develop specialist universities (in health, agriculture, technology). The establishment of FUHSI reflects national recognition of the need for health sciences training capacity and regional equity.

##History
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) has a recent but important history. Approved in 2021 as one of the new specialised universities by the Federal Government, the institution is intended to focus on health, nutrition and medical sciences.

The university’s website describes that after establishment, the leadership undertook planning of a master plan covering 471.88 hectares of university land for orderly evolution of the campus. 

On 18 February 2022, Professor Akeem Olawale Lasisi assumed duty as pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the institution. 

Since its inception, the university has admitted students, developed faculties in health sciences, and held matriculation ceremonies. For example, in 2024 FUHSI admitted 673 new students during a matriculation and installed its first Chancellor.

The university is still in its formative infrastructure phase, which means that early students are pioneers: they study in an environment still developing, offering the chance to shape culture, research, student life and the institution’s identity. At the same time, the young age of the institution means some facilities may still be catching up; prospective students should enquire about specific departmental resources.
The story of FUHSI is therefore one of promise, regional health-focus, value-based ethos, and being on the ground floor of a new university journey.

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of FUHSI is Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Dikwa

Brief Biography:

The Shehu of Dikwa, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, CON, is a traditional ruler of Dikwa Emirate, in Borno State. 

He was installed as the first Chancellor of FUHSI in the second matriculation ceremony in 2024. 

His appointment provides the institution with prestige, regional and national connectivity, and signals the institution’s ambition to engage with leadership beyond academia.
Though the Chancellor’s role in Nigerian universities is largely ceremonial (presiding over convocation, representing the institution), having a respected traditional leader enhances the institution’s standing, symbolises community integration, and helps signal stability and oversight.

##Accreditation and Recognition
For any university, credibility hinges on accreditation and recognition. For FUHSI:

The institution is listed among federal universities in Osun State and formally recognized by inclusion in state planning documents (Osun State tertiary institutions list) as a Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun. 

Course listings and portal information indicate that programmes in Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) and allied health categories are offered; the blog site MySchoolPlug indicates MBBS is “granted full accreditation” at FUHSI. 

Admission portals (JAMB degree list) show the institution is recognised for admissions: FUHSI is listed in the JAMB degree listing for 2025/2026. 

Because the university is young, some departmental accreditations and full matured evaluation cycles may still be underway. Prospective students should check details with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional regulatory bodies (e.g., Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria, Nursing Council) for specific programmes.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
The academic structure of FUHSI is engineered around health sciences, with infrastructure and facilities geared to support teaching, research and professional training. Key features include:

Faculties/Departments – The university offers programmes such as 

Medicine & Surgery

Nursing Science

Medical Laboratory Science

Nutrition & Dietetics

Audiology

Information Technology & Health Informatics

Microbiology

Biochemistry. 


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at FUHSI is distinctive, combining a health-sciences focus, a regional setting, and the chance to be part of a founding cohort. Key aspects include:

Location and environment: Situated at KM 4, ORA Road, Ila-Orangun in Osun State. 

The setting offers a quieter, more focussed academic environment compared to large urban campuses, enabling students to engage deeply with their studies and community.

Student intake and culture: Early matriculation exercises (e.g., 673 students for 2023/2024 session) show enrollment growth and the establishment of student identity.

Health-centric student life: Because the university specialises in health sciences, students often find themselves in labs, simulation settings, community health outreach and clinical training, rather than purely lecture-based life.

Facilities in development: As a young institution, some facilities are still being built or matured, meaning students may experience construction phases, but also the excitement of helping shape campus culture, clubs, research groups and student governance.

Welfare, accommodation and student support: Students are advised about registration, hostel accommodation, payment details and student services—e.g., the Student Portal and notices of resumption. 

Values and discipline: The Vice-Chancellor has emphasised character, discipline and readiness for global competition at matriculation ceremonies.