The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off sites for the construction of critical infrastructure at the Prince Abubàkar Audu University Teaching Hospital Anyigba.
The projects include the construction of new classrooms, a library, a multipurpose medical laboratory, consultant offices, and the renovation of the existing clinical laboratory.
The governor represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez Adeiza, emphasized that the facilities will enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver quality training to medical and allied health students, restore lost accreditations, and expand medical research and healthcare services.
Governor Ododo recalled the setback of losing accreditation for medical student training in 2015 but celebrated the success of students who graduated despite the challenges.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to consolidating on the achievements and investing in projects that touch lives, drive development, and secure a brighter future for Kogi State citizens.
The governor urged the host communities to take ownership of public infrastructure, protect them, support government initiatives, and collaborate with contractors.
He directed contractors to deliver quality work within the stated timeline in 2025.
The vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for his commitment to human capital development in the health sector.
She expressed delight that the university is set to receive new classrooms, a library, multipurpose medical laboratory, consultant offices, and a renovated existing clinical laboratory.
Prof. Tenuche described this development as a “long dream come true” and highlighted the university’s efforts to revive the MBBS program, which was stopped in 2012.
The noted that the university has introduced programs like Nursing Science, BSc Anatomy, BSc Physiology, BSc Medical Science Laboratory, and BSc Pharmacology to support the MBBS program.
The Vice Chancellor praised the pioneer medical students who excelled in other universities after losing accreditation for the MBBS program.
“For instance, three students from the University won 18 out of 20 awards, showcasing the potential of the university’s students” the VC noted
She attributed the previous inability to commence the MBBS program to the lack of a teaching hospital, which was addressed by the provision of the Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital by the state government.
Prof. Tenuche commended the Commissioner for Health for his commitment and focus on the project.
“Dr. Abdulazeez Adams visited the university, assessed the facilities, and assured the Vice Chancellor that the governor would provide the necessary support. The swift action by the governor’s office, with engineers assessing the site just two days after the commissioner’s visit, demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving healthcare in Kogi State” Prof Tenuche asserted
The Vice Chancellor thanked the governor and the commissioner for their support, citing the importance of healthcare in economic development, as “health is wealth.
“The event marks a significant milestone in the university’s pursuit of reviving its medical programs and enhancing healthcare delivery in the state”
The Chief Medical Director of Prince Abubakar University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Mayo Oladele, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to healthcare development in Kogi State.
He praised the governor for building on the legacy of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, who initiated the medical school project.
“The new infrastructure will enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare and support the medical program” Dr Oladele stated.
Dr. Oladele highlighted the hospital’s progress, including receiving medical consumables and equipment, expanding specialized treatment services, and establishing a functional histopathology laboratory.
“The state government has also built an oxygen plant, which will supply oxygen to the hospital and other healthcare facilities in the local government area. Additional projects to set for construction include
A Dialysis Center, Soon to be flagged off, to address the need for specialized care others are Maternal and Newborn Care Program in Partnership with National Health Insurance to provide care for vulnerable population equally Free Pre-Pregnancy Services would be made Available at PAUTH and other general hospitals in Kogi State” The Chief Medical Director stated.
The Chief Medical Director commended the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulaziz, for identifying key healthcare challenges in Kogi State, including infrastructural gaps and personnel needs. The ongoing project aims to address these issues by building infrastructure and producing skilled healthcare professionals. With these developments, the hospital is poised to deliver improved healthcare services, aligning with Governor Ododo’s initiative to revamp primary healthcare centers across the state.
Also speaking.
The Provost of the School of Medicine, Dr. Akogu Simon, expressed gratitude to the government and the university’s leadership for their commitment to the project.
“The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, has been instrumental in driving the project forward, and her leadership has paid off with the realization of the MBBS program. The project is expected to improve healthcare delivery in Kogi State and provide opportunities for students to pursue medical education” He asserted.
The member representing Dekina/Biraidu constituency and chairman House committee on Health,Hon. Usman Ochidi expressed gratitude and expressed joy saying he felt vindicated after some people doubted the establishment of another investment in the university.
He commended the governor for bringing life to the project, which will provide an enabling environment for medical students to be accredited.
Ochidi noted that within the next 7-8 years, Kogi State will have a significant number of medical doctors,addressing the current shortage.
“The state government has announced plans to employ over 200 medical doctors, and this project will help meet that need.
He praised the governor’s leadership and policy decisions, which are expected to make Kogi State a hub for medical education and healthcare delivery.
The Eje Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje, represented by Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Onu Anyigba welcomed the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to Prince Abubakar Audu University.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the university’s development.
The traditional ruler praised the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, for her leadership and dedication to the university’s growth.
He acknowledged the governor’s role in providing a conducived environment for the university to thrive and appreciated his support for the institution’s development projects.
A representative of the the contractors, Zach Uhiani promised to completing the project before the end of the year.
“We are committed to meeting the expectations of the governor and commissioner, ensuring the laboratory’s excellence and functionality in line with the state’s healthcare development goals.” Uhiani pledged.
