Nigerian government improves medical centre and establishes teaching hospital at university

President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Birnin Kebbi to a teaching hospital for the College of Health Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK).

As stated by the institution’s Head, Information and Public Relations, Jamilu Mohammed, this approval was communicated to the Vice Chancellor, Muhammad Umar, a professor, in a letter dated 13 March and signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa.

“This approval is a further indication of Mr President’s dedication to ensuring that Nigerians receive top-quality healthcare affordably, as well as increasing the much-needed Human Resources for Health in our country,” part of the letter reads.

The minister has instructed the university to collaborate with the management of the Federal Medical Centre, now known as Federal University Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, to enhance their facilities for teaching and research purposes.

Appreciation

The vice-chancellor expressed joy over this development and expressed the university’s commitment to leveraging the benefits provided by the upgrade.

The statement also mentioned that a committee has been set up by the university, led by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Bello Shehu, a professor from Katsina State, to plan the implementation of the upgrade.

“The Committee is jointly chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of FUBK, Aliyu Turaki, also a professor,” he added.

Similar steps

Just last month, Mr Tinubu instructed the upgrade of specific health facilities nationwide, including cancer treatment infrastructure in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He also announced plans for 10 critical healthcare service expansion projects in the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterisation across 10 hospitals in the country.

FUBK was founded in 2013 alongside federal universities in Gashia, Yobe State and Gusau, Zamfara State.