Authorities of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State have named the new School of Public Health after a former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate.
In a statement conveying the decision, the Senate of the institution explained that the former Minister’s global rating in Public Health is outstanding and exemplary, prompting the University to celebrate him.
The letter, signed by the Acting Registrar, Adeyinka Adekalu, stated that the Senate at its 23rd statutory meeting had considered the need to set up an International School of Public Health in the University of Medical Sciences to be named after a renowned and distinguished public health scholar.
It said: “Senate while considering the proposal, noted your valuable contributions to global health and your robust experience across public and private sectors in achieving and promoting effective primary health care delivery in Nigeria and the African continent at large.
“The Senate of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, in recognition of your internationally and nationally acclaimed status as a distinguished practitioner and doyen of public health, has approved that the proposed UNIMED International School of Public Health (ISPH) be named and tagged ‘Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate International School of Public Health.’
“The School when established, will widen the scope of public health scientists, build sustainable high quality human resource and conduct applied research for addressing the current multiple public health challenges in Nigeria and Africa.
“We look forward very enthusiastically towards receiving your timely response to this request. Please accept the assurances of my highest and best regards.”
Pate, an American Board Certified MD in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, served as Minister of State for Health between July 2011 and July 2013.
He voluntarily resigned and picked up an appointment with the Duke Global Health Institute, North Carolina as Adjunct Professor.
He was also Executive Director and Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Big Win Philanthropy, an independent Foundation that invests in children and young people in developing countries.