A state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation laboratory fully equipped by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has been commissioned at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa.
Equipment provided include high-fidelity adult and pediatric patient simulators, laparoscopic training systems, obstetric trainers, advanced life support mannequins, consultation cubicles, and audio-visual learning systems which BMU authorities claimed would enable students to “learn, make mistakes, and perfect their life-saving skills in a zero-risk environment before they ever touch a human patient.”
NCDMB which has Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe as its Executive Secretary said in a statement made available to Maritime Bits that the board goal is to position BMU to align with global best practices in medical education, and “strengthening local capacity in Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.”
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Clinical Skills Acquisition Centre, BMU Main Campus, Ogbe was quoted saying that capacity building is “not just about oil and gas; it is about ecosystems”, pointing out that the industry does not operate in isolation.
He listed health care, education, engineering, and logistics, among others, as sectors with linkage to the oil and gas industry.
According to the NCDMB helmsman, simulation-based learning is now the global standard in medical education. It allows students to acquire hands-on clinical skills, improves decision-making, and builds confidence in a controlled safe environment before engaging the blue patient.
Ogbe who was represented by NCDMB Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr. Ene Ette commended the management of BMU and partner organisations for their collaboration, professionalism and shared vision.
He pointed out that the upgraded laboratory is a strategic investment in human capacity and capital development and a practical demonstration of how policy can translate into measurable impact.
The Vice Chancellor of BMU, Professor Dimie Ogoina in his welcome address, noted that the event was not just the commissioning of a building or unveiling of medical equipment, it was about “securing the future of healthcare in Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large.”
According to him, words could not adequately express his profound gratitude to the Management of the NCDMB.
He recalled that when he assumed office as Vice Chancellor in 2025, he shared his vision, encapsulated in what he termed ASPIRE agenda to transform BMU into a globally recognised leader in medical education, research, and innovation, driven by technology and excellence.
Ogoina’s words: “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. By equipping the laboratory to such a standard, NCDMB was directly contributing to the reduction of medical errors, the improvement of patient safety, and the development of indigenous healthcare professionals who will serve our communities and our industries. We are not just training doctors for today, we are nurturing digital-age physicians capable of competing on the global stage”.
He expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and the Commissioners for Health and Education, for the unwavering support and for creating an enabling environment that allows partnerships like the one with NCDMB and its partner organisations to thrive.
The Provost of the College of Medicine, BMU, Professor Philip Eyimina expressed profound gratitude to the NCDMB for its foresight and generosity in equipping the university Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory, and to the Bayelsa State Government for continued commitment to strengthening healthcare and education in the state.
He pointed out that the newly upgraded laboratory played a significant role in the institution’s recent accreditation verification exercise as 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.
According to the Provost, in this laboratory, our students will learn essential competencies – history taking, physical examination, suturing, intravenous access, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, obstetric skills, and emergency response – while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.
Governor Diri who is the Visitor to BMU lauded the NCDMB for providing facilities which he described as remarkable.
He recalled the aspiration of the Vice Chancellor to make BMU “a leading university in medicine,” noting that “What the NCDMB has done is clearly a demonstration of going with that vision to market this university to the entire world.”
Represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, the Bayelsa State governor declared that BMU has the firm support of the state government as it strives for high academic standards and global reckoning.
The Pro-chancellor of BMU, Professor Tarilah Tebepah in a goodwill message said while the Governing Council was considering the vision of the university becoming globally known as a leader in medical education, producing very sound innovative healthcare professionals, it never lost sight of the fact that a lot of technology, equipment and funding would be required.
He thanked the NCDMB for the donation just he pleaded that it should continue to identify with the institution as it grapples with resource-related challenges.
The event was concluded with a tour of key units of the state-of-the-art facility which include a Virtual Reality Station, Paediatric and Airway Management Stations, EGG and Patient Monitoring Station, IV Fluids Administration and Cannulation Station, and a Demonstration Hall.
