- Hands over sites for critical infrastructure construction to contractors.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has officially handed over sites for the construction of critical infrastructure at the Prince Abubàkar Audu University Teaching Hospital (PAAUTH), Anyigba.
The projects include the construction of new lecture rooms, 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 these 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.
The governor 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 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.
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 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.
“Three students from the University won 18 out of 20 awards, showcasing the potential of the university’s students,” she said.
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,” she said.
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 Acting Chief Medical Director of Prince Abubakar University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Nayo Anthony, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his commitment to healthcare development in Kogi State.
He praised the governor for building on the legacy of his predecessor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who initiated the medical school project.
He said the new infrastructure will enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare and support the medical program.
The CMD highlighted the hospital’s progress, including receiving medical consumables and equipment, expanding specialized treatment services, and establishing a functional histopathology lab.
“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. Also, free pre-pregnancy services would be made available at PAAUTH and other general hospitals in Kogi State.”
The Provost of the School of Medicine, Dr. Akogu Simon, expressed joy and gratitude to the government and the university’s leadership for their commitment to the project.
He said 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 Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government, Hon. Urah John, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for fulfilling his promise to bring the project to life.
The project is expected to add value to the health sector in Kogi State,r and the local government pledged its loyalty and support to the governor’s administration.
Hon. John also appreciated the Commissioner for Health and the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University for their efforts in making the project a reality..
The member representing Dekina/Biraidu constituency and chairman House committee one Health, Hon. Usman Ochidi expressed gratitude and joy, feeling 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.
He noted that within the next 7-8 years, Kogi State will have a significant number of medical doctors,rr addressing the current shortage.
“The state government has announced plans to employ over 200 medical doctors, and this project will help meet that need,” the lawmaker said.
Hon. Ochidi 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 (Dr). Usman Obaje, represented by Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Onu Anyigba expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the university’s development.
The traditional ruler praised the Vice Chancellor for her leadership and dedication to the university’s growth. He acknowledged the governor’s role in providing a conducive environment for the university to thrive and appreciated his support for the institution’s development projects.
A representative of the the contractors, Zach Uhiani and Afan Nigeria Limited, anticipated 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.”
