PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt

PUMS, short for PAMO University of Medical Sciences, marks a milestone as Nigeria’s inaugural private medical university. Nestled in Port Harcourt’s lively atmosphere, this esteemed institution emerged in 2017, thanks to the vision of Dr. Sir Peter Odili, previously the governor of Rivers State. The university stands out for its commitment to top-notch medical education and research. At its helm are Chancellor Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Michael Diejomaoh. In a short time, PUMS has earned recognition as a leading center for medical studies.

Overview Of PAMO University Sciences, Port Harcourt

PAMO University of Medical Sciences stands as a beacon of excellence in medical and health science education in Nigeria. This esteemed institution is a manifestation of the PAMO Educational Foundation and its Board of Trustees’ commitment to advancing medical education in Nigeria. 

It leverages the nearly four-decade-long legacy of the PAMO Clinics and Hospitals Group in delivering top-notch medical services and training. The university aligns with the National Policy on Education, aiming to provide quality education accessible to Nigerians and tailored to meet individual and national needs.

The inspiration behind PAMO University’s establishment is Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili, a former Executive Governor of Rivers State and the founder of the PAMO Clinics and Hospitals Group. This group has been a pioneer in offering high-quality medical care in Port Harcourt and Rivers State for around 40 years. 

Specializing in various medical fields such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics, it has served individuals, families, and corporations across various sectors. Dr. Odili envisioned elevating this commitment to excellence by nurturing future generations through top-tier medical education, aiming to position Nigeria prominently in the global medical tourism landscape.

PAMO University aims to be Nigeria’s leading medical university, renowned both locally and globally for its excellence in health services, medical education, and research.

The university’s mission is to provide exemplary medical training to produce world-class professionals in medical and health sciences. It emphasizes core values like knowledge, discipline, and humane service.

The university embraces an ethos that revolves around using evidence-based scientific knowledge as a foundation for quality medical care. It fosters an environment conducive to learning, creativity, innovative thinking, discipline, humaneness, and ethical conduct in the medical and health sciences.

Faculties, Departments & Programmes

PAMO University of Medical Sciences offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs across its various faculties, each designed to foster expertise in key medical and health science areas.

Faculty of Clinical Sciences:

This faculty offers programs in critical areas like Anaesthesiology, Medicine and Surgery, Histopathology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Surgery. Students here work towards an MBBS degree.

Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences:

Undergraduate programs in this faculty focus on Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Anatomical Pathology, Haematology, Chemical Pathology, and Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, leading to an MBBS degree.

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences:

This faculty provides specialized undergraduate programs in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology, and Physiology, awarding B.Sc. degrees in these disciplines.

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences:

Here, students can pursue undergraduate degrees in Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography & Radiation Sciences, Optometry, Dental Technology, Environmental Health Science, Prosthetics, and Orthotics.

Basic Science Unit:

This unit supports all faculties by offering foundational courses in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics as required by the academic programs’ standards.

General & Entrepreneurial Studies Unit:

Mandatory for all undergraduates, these courses aim to enhance communication skills, foster self-reliance through entrepreneurial skills, and deepen understanding of cultural, social, and religious diversity. Courses include Communication in English, Nigerian Peoples and Culture, Use of Library, Study Skills, ICT, Communication in French or Arabic, Logic Philosophy, Human Existence, History and Philosophy of Science, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and Entrepreneurial Skills.

Admission Requirements:

PAMO University of Medical Sciences invites applications for undergraduate admissions with the following requirements and procedures:

UTME Candidates:

• Must have chosen PUMS as their first choice in the 2023 UTME.
• Required to have five credit passes in SSCE (or equivalent) in relevant subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Language, and Mathematics) in up to two sittings.
• Must have scored 170 and above in the 2023 UTME. For the MBBS program, a score of 220 and above is necessary

Candidates must upload their O’level results on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

Eligibility:

• Applicants who made PUMS their 1st choice in the 2023 JAMB UTME.
• Those who wish to study at PUMS but did not initially choose the university must apply for a CHANGE OF INSTITUTION to PUMS as the first choice through the JAMB Portal.
• Candidates awaiting SSCE results or its equivalent are eligible to apply, provided the results will be uploaded on the PUMS Portal at least two days before the Screening Exercise.

International Applicants:

Must adhere to JAMB’s admission provisions for Nigerian universities.

Method of Application:

• Visit the university’s website at http://www.pums.edu.ng/.
• Click on “Apply Now
• Enter your JAMB number and click “Check Eligibility.

If eligible, you’ll be directed to the application form. Fill in all required information accurately.

Upload the following supporting documents:

• JAMB Result
• O’Level Result (WAEC and/or NECO)
• Birth Certificate/Age Affidavit
• Local Government of Origin
• Letter of Attestation/Reference

Method of Payment:

• Click on “Make Payment.
• Transfer or deposit N2,000 to the provided bank account.
• Upload evidence of payment, then make the final submission of your application and print the clearance form.

Post UTME Screening Schedule:

Candidates must prepare for the mandatory SCREENING EXERCISE.

The first post-UTME screening date will be announced.

For any queries, contact Dr. Dakoru Charles-Granville, Ag. Registrar & Secretary to Council, at [email protected].

Application Guideline

When applying to PAMO University of Medical Sciences, the process involves several key steps, each crucial for successful admission. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. JAMB Number Verification:

• Enter your JAMB number on the university portal and click “Check Eligibility”.
• If verification fails, it might be due to a low JAMB score, an incorrect JAMB number, or not choosing PUMS as your first choice. In such cases, a change of university preference might be needed via the JAMB website.
• Delays in reflecting changes made with JAMB are possible. Contact the university’s support service if issues persist.

2. Application Form:

• Provide all required information accurately. Some details will be pre-filled based on your JAMB number verification.
• After submission, you’ll be logged onto the portal for further steps.

3. Qualifications:

• Refer to the “ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS” link on the portal to understand the specific qualifications needed.

4. Supporting Documents:

• Scan and upload these original documents: JAMB Result, Sponsor Referral, O’Level Result (WAEC and/or NECO), Birth Certificate, Age Affidavit, Local Government of Origin, and Referral Letter from a Clergy/Imam.

5. Application Payment (N2000 non-refundable):

• Log onto the portal using your JAMB number and password.
• Select “Make Payment” and then “APPLICATION PAYMENT”.
• Generate an RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference) code for payment.
• Payment can be made via CARD or CASH.

CARD Payment: Complete the payment on the REMITA platform and return it to the university portal for final submission.

CASH Payment: Take the RRR code to the bank for cash payment. Confirm the payment on the portal afterwards.

Important Notes for Payment:

• Ensure payments are made with RRR codes generated on the PUMS portal.
• RRR codes not generated on the PUMS portal, or payments without RRR codes, are invalid.
• For further guidance, visit PUMS’s website and navigate to the ADMISSIONS section.

Important Information To Candidates (Jamb Admission Guidelines)

For applicants to Nigerian tertiary institutions, including PAMO University of Medical Sciences, there are specific JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) admission guidelines to follow:

O’ Level Results Upload:

Applicants must upload their O’ Level results on the JAMB portal before the commencement of the admission exercise.

Acceptance or Rejection of Admission:

Once offered admission, applicants are required to either ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ it on the JAMB portal for the admission process to be considered complete.

Admission for Second, Third, or Fourth Choice Candidates:

Candidates who have chosen an institution as their second, third, or fourth choice do not need to change their choice or make any payment to JAMB to be considered for admission during the second-choice admission exercise period.

Admissions Criteria:

• Admissions are based on the institution’s/program’s cut-off marks and the minimum UTME score set for each school, subject to the respective national minimum UTME scores.
• The cut-off marks are determined by factors like minimum UTME score/direct entry grade, post UTME scores (if applicable), grading of Senior School Certificate grades, interview/practical scores, and the percentage allotted to UTME score range (from 50% to 100%, if applicable).

Use of UTME/Direct Entry Results and Quotas:

• Institutions must utilize the 2018 UTME/direct entry results and adhere to the JAMB 2018 admission quota as prescribed by regulatory agencies.
• The admission process should also follow the 2018 UTME brochure, guidelines on admission as prescribed by proprietors, and policy decisions from the Minister of Education’s meeting and directives.

Registration in the Institution:

• For a candidate to be registered in any institution from the 2018 admission exercise onwards, they must be recommended by an institution, admitted and approved by JAMB.
• The candidate must accept the offer online on JAMB’s website at no cost, print both the result slip and admission letter, and undergo screening with acceptable credentials.

These guidelines ensure a standardized, fair, and transparent admission process across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Clinical Training and Teaching Hospital

PUMS also partners with the prestigious PAMO Clinics and Hospitals Group in Rivers. This partnership gives students a unique chance to gain early medical experience and knowledge. Additionally, the university is building a new four-storey facility for its teaching hospital. This development is set to enhance practical learning. There’s also an exciting collaboration with the Rivers State Government and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Thanks to this MoU, students get the opportunity to train clinically at a public teaching hospital, broadening their practical medical skills.

Rankings and Recognition

PUMS stands out as a notable educational institution in Nigeria. Nationally, it ranks at the 143rd position and holds the 4th spot in Port Harcourt. With an acceptance rate of about 75%, the university is known for its selective admission process. This level of selectiveness highlights its commitment to maintaining high educational standards. Recognizing its achievements, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has placed PUMS 35th out of 200 universities in Nigeria and 19th among private universities. These rankings reflect the university’s dedication to excellence in higher education.

Conclusion

PAMO University of Medical Sciences is a a beacon of medical education excellence in Nigeria. With its comprehensive academic programs, world-class facilities, and commitment to ethical and disciplined education, PUMS is an ideal destination for aspiring medical professionals. Its rapid growth and recognition within a short span reflect its potential to shape the future of medical education and healthcare in Nigeria and globally.