USM, PENANG, 19 April 2020 – Even after enduring a month under the COVID-19 Movement Control Order (MCO) and the prolonged worries brought about by the virus, the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) community yesterday gladly welcomed a new member into its fold.

The newborn belonged to an International Student from Nigeria, whose wife safely delivered the child at the Penang General Hospital on early Friday morning. 

Awosolu Oluwaseun, father of the newborn 3.6kg cute baby girl, gave praises to God and was really happy together with his wife as they went through the process of delivery of the newborn from A-Z. The baby is their second child. 

“My wife, Awosolu Bukola is in good health and felt great after delivering their newborn, named ‘Precious’ in Malaysia and Penang especially, with the best services given by USM and the Hospital,” said the 33-year old PhD in Applied Parasitology  candidate from the School of Biological Sciences.

Furthermore, Awosolu was really happy with the services provided by USM because as when the time the baby was due became closer, he contacted a USM personnel, and in just a few minutes everyone was available to respond and assist him swiftly.

The USM Nerve Centre received an emergency call from Awosolu at 11:35 pm and with the quick action of the Security Department, an ambulance was called and arrived around 12:00 am and later went right away to the Penang General Hospital, where the newborn was delivered at 12:25 am.

“The service provided by the Penang General Hospital was also ‘Bagus’ and they did a good job in delivering the baby; kudos to the Penang General Hospital and to have a baby at this time is a moment that's truly precious and wonderful for us,” added Awosolu, who is the USM Apex Hall tenant on campus.

During this COVID-19 period, Awosolu sees this situation as being positive for him in many ways, and where God's blessings have fully came to him and his family.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan expressed his thanks and congratulated all Departments involved, especially the USM COVID-19 Nerve Centre, Security Department and the Penang General Hospital in handling the meaningful situation professionally.

Meanwhile, USM will always look deeply into their students well-being during this trying moment of COVID-19 no matter they are local or international students, and will react fast if anything happens with the efficiency of its COVID-19 Nerve Centre. 

USM always monitor closely and understands the feelings of students and parents in facing this situation, whether students on or off-campus. The University is thankful and appreciates the support and cooperation given by all students throughout the MCO period which has been further extended to April 28th.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim