The Nigerian Government of Nigeria has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its investment in healthcare infrastructure at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), urging the hospital’s management to ensure the effective utilisation and maintenance of the facilities.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, who represented the Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the event, made the remarks during a ceremony held at UMTH.
The occasion featured the commissioning of projects, the opening of a conference, a book launch, an inaugural lecture and a send-off ceremony for the outgoing Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo.
Kachollom described the development of UMTH as critical to Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that the hospital plays a strategic role in providing specialised clinical services, medical education, postgraduate training, research, professional development and innovation, particularly in the North-east.
She said the fertility clinic constructed by the NEDC should not be viewed merely as a completed structure, but as an investment in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
According to her, the value of any healthcare facility is ultimately determined by the quality of services it provides, stressing the need for adequate equipment, qualified personnel, proper maintenance and effective utilisation.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the growing importance of radiology in modern healthcare, particularly with advances in ultrasound, CT, MRI, interventional radiology, digital imaging and artificial intelligence.
She commended the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria for providing a platform for scientific exchange and professional development, urging participants to translate knowledge generated at the conference into research collaborations, practical innovations and policies capable of strengthening diagnostic services across the country.
Kachollom further emphasised the importance of research, innovation and human capital development in building a stronger health system.
She said Nigeria must continue to train competent, ethical and innovative doctors, nurses, radiologists, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, researchers and other health professionals.
The Permanent Secretary also congratulated the first cohort of medical ICT students being trained at UMTH, describing the programme as an innovative combination of medical knowledge and information and communication technology skills.
She commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for his leadership, professionalism, mentorship and contributions to the development of UMTH and the radiology profession in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, commended the Federal Government and the NEDC for their continued support for healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening in the state.
Governor Zulum described UMTH as a critical institution in Borno State, noting that the hospital had continued to provide essential specialist services and train medical professionals even during the most difficult years of insecurity.
The governor praised Professor Ahidjo for his exemplary leadership and contributions to infrastructure, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development at the teaching hospital.
He said the various activities marking the occasion demonstrated the importance of knowledge, research and continuous professional development in advancing healthcare delivery.
