Squeezing Water Out of Stone, Pioneering the First Medical University in Nigeria by Friday Okonofua: A book review

Abstract

The induction of the first set of medical doctors produced by the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, Nigeria on June 9, 2023 is the climax of the series of graduation ceremonies for graduates of this young university which began in December 2019 when graduates in disciplines related to medicine but whose lengths of study are shorter than the period for medicine have been awarded the relevant degrees. These ceremonies bear eloquent testimony to the quality of instructions in the approved programmes by relevant regulatory authorities; the adequacy of facilities; the stability of the academic calendars and the dedication of all staff, teaching and non-teaching, and the management comprising the principal officers, the leader of whom is the author of the book being presented today. With the university’s record of achievements, the question then is where did the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua derive the inspiration for the title of his memoirs, “Squeezing Water Out of Stone: Pioneering the First Medical University in Nigeria”? This book published by Kraft Book Limited with ISBN 978-978-918-777-5 is one of a few books ever written by a pioneer Vice-Chancellor in any of Nigeria’s Universities.