Chioma Vivian James
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) as part of a broader strategy to transform healthcare delivery across the state, particularly in resettled and underserved communities.
The Governor made the commitment during an inspection of a consignment of medical equipment, drugs, and healthcare consumables donated from the United States to UMTH. The shipment, transported to Maiduguri with support from the Borno State Government, was received at the hospital’s renowned Stroke Centre.
In a move that signals a new phase in Borno’s healthcare revitalization agenda, Governor Zulum disclosed that discussions are ongoing with UMTH and development partners to replicate the initiative across 20 general hospitals statewide, including the 10 newly constructed hospitals. The plan aims to attract more medical equipment, advanced healthcare technologies, and strategic interventions that will strengthen service delivery across the state.
The Governor also welcomed UMTH’s decision to support two comprehensive healthcare centres in Rumirgo and Baga. He assured the hospital management that the state government would provide all necessary infrastructure and operational support before the end of the tenure of the current hospital leadership, enabling the partnership to take off seamlessly.
“Before you leave office, we shall do everything possible to ensure that the required facilities are on the ground so that the partnership will be implemented,” Governor Zulum stated. “I also commend those working with you because, without the support of the staff, such achievements cannot be made.”
Commendation for Transformational Leadership.
Governor Zulum paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, describing his tenure as one marked by exceptional growth, innovation, and institutional transformation despite limited resources.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the partnership that connected the hospital with donors in the United States.
“We have witnessed phenomenal growth and development in this teaching hospital since you assumed duty,” Zulum said. “Posterity will judge you positively for all the good works you have done for Borno State and indeed Nigeria.”
Speaking during the visit, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo expressed appreciation to the Governor for the state government’s unwavering support, particularly the ₦500 million intervention provided following the devastating 2024 flood disaster.
According to him, ₦75 million from the intervention fund was utilized to ship the donated medical equipment from the United States. The shipment includes state-of-the-art endoscopy and ultrasound machines, intensive care unit (ICU) beds, theatre beds, incubators, patient monitors, dental chairs, and other critical healthcare supplies.
“Part of the ₦500 million you gave us, precisely ₦75 million, was used in shipping these donated items from the United States,” Ahidjo explained. “All these items came at no cost to the hospital apart from the shipping expenses, and today they are worth hundreds of millions of naira.”
He revealed that the consignment contains more than 20 modern ICU beds and advanced diagnostic equipment that will be distributed across various departments to enhance patient care and improve service delivery.
Strengthening Specialized Healthcare, Professor Ahidjo further highlighted the achievements of UMTH’s standalone Stroke Centre, describing it as the only dedicated stroke treatment facility in the country.
He noted that the centre currently accommodates nearly 100 patients receiving specialized stroke care, a development that has significantly improved healthcare outcomes in the region.
The visit underscores the growing partnership between the Borno State Government and UMTH, a collaboration increasingly viewed as a model for healthcare advancement in northeastern Nigeria.
With plans underway to extend the benefits of international medical donations and modern healthcare infrastructure to hospitals across the state, Borno appears poised to make significant strides toward accessible, quality, and specialized healthcare for its citizens.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; and Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barrister Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among others.
