FUOYE Launches Rural Health Training for Medical Students

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has launched a new community-based medical training scheme aimed at exposing students to the realities of rural healthcare in Nigeria.

Through the programme, known as Community-Based Learning, Experience and Service (COBLES), more than 50 medical students have been deployed to Igogo-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area for fieldwork at the Federal Teaching Hospital Annexe.

The students are engaging in house-to-house visits, health education campaigns and basic care, tackling challenges such as malaria, poor sanitation, and reliance on untreated water. Officials say the scheme provides students with practical insight into how culture and lifestyle influence disease patterns, while also delivering vital services to underserved communities.

Professor Olusola Adeeyo, Provost of the College of Medicine, described the initiative as “a vital aspect of medical education.” At the same time, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Olubunmi Shittu encouraged students to consider rural practice as a career path.

Community leaders, including the traditional ruler of Igogo, welcomed the programme, pledging continued support and offering land for FUOYE to expand its presence.

University authorities stated that COBLES would become a model for training doctors who are better equipped to address Nigeria’s grassroots health needs.