…. PAUU Anyigba’s MBBS Programme Restored After a Decade of Setback
In a bold and strategic move to sustain and deepen the transformation of healthcare delivery in Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has continued to demonstrate an unflinching commitment to revitalizing health institutions across the state. One of the most outstanding achievements under his watch is the unprecedented investment in the Faculty of Medicine at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. This is in addition to the comprehensive infrastructural upgrades at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede; the College of Health Sciences, Idah; and the College of Medical Sciences for the MBBS programme at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. These strategic interventions reflect the governor’s resolve to not only increase access to quality healthcare but also to build strong, functional institutions that will produce the next generation of healthcare professionals in the state.
It is important to recall that the MBBS programme at Prince Abubakar Audu University, initially accredited and commenced in 2012, was abruptly withdrawn in 2015 due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic sciences and allied health courses, and other critical deficiencies required for the proper training of medical students. As a result, the pioneer set of 24 medical students had to be relocated to other institutions to complete their training.
Though the previous administration under Governor Yahaya Bello made efforts to revive the programme by initiating the construction of clinical complexes and developing the basic sciences and allied health courses, the burden of fully addressing the accreditation requirements was inherited by Governor Ododo. Rising to the challenge, he pulled the bull by the horns, deploying massive investments into the health education sector.
Through the construction of state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, hostels, and the provision of cutting-edge medical equipment and teaching facilities, Prince Abubakar Audu University has now secured full accreditation and received official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to restart its MBBS programme. This landmark achievement not only corrects a decade-long setback but also bridges the medical education gap and enhances the production of indigenous medical professionals in Kogi State.
Beyond the academic front, Governor Ododo’s administration is equally driving comprehensive reforms in primary healthcare. A shining example is the ongoing construction of 70 fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and hospitals across rural and urban areas of the state. These facilities are strategically designed to bring healthcare services closer to the grassroots, reduce maternal and child mortality, and improve access to preventive and curative services for the general population. Complementing these efforts are the rehabilitation of general hospitals, consistent provision of medical equipment, and a series of targeted health outreach programmes, all demonstrating a people-first, inclusive approach to governance and healthcare delivery.
Recognising the critical importance of early childhood health to long-term development and productivity, Governor Ododo has also prioritised the fight against child malnutrition. Through the State Ministry of Health under the supervision of Hon Adams Abdulazeez, his administration has distributed vital commodities for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children. These include fortified food supplements, vitamin A, zinc, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), and other essential micronutrients. The focus is not only to save lives but also to promote cognitive development and better prepare children to become active learners and contributors to the state’s economic future.
In a similar vein, the administration; through the collaborative efforts of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Ministry of Health recently flagged off the first phase of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign, and the Safe Motherhood Initiative. These integrated programmes are aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across the state. Offering services such as vaccinations, antenatal care, health education, and nutrition support, the initiative has already reached thousands of women and children. Notably, the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has taken an active role in championing this cause, further underscoring the administration’s whole-of-government commitment to public health.
Furthermore, in an effort to ensure a healthier workforce and promote universal health coverage, both political appointees and civil servants, including their immediate family members have been successfully enrolled in the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme. This ensures affordability and access to quality healthcare, while also reducing out-of-pocket expenses and strengthening the health financing architecture in the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s healthcare agenda is not just focused on addressing present needs; it is a carefully crafted long-term strategy aimed at rebuilding medical infrastructure, expanding access to medical education, and laying the foundation for a robust healthcare system. With sustained investments and genuine political will, Kogi State is not only poised to meet its internal demand for healthcare professionals but is well on its way to becoming a hub for medical training and service delivery that will benefit neighbouring states as well.
Conclusively, the administration’s forward-thinking approach to healthcare reform is positioning Kogi State for a future where healthy citizens can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, improved governance, and overall state development. Governor Ododo’s investment in the health sector is, indeed, an investment in the soul of the State.
– Barr. ONOGWU Muhammed, ANIPR
