By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) as part of efforts to improve healthcare services, particularly in resettled communities across the state.
Governor Zulum gave the assurance during an inspection of drugs, medical equipment, and consumables donated from the United States to UMTH.
The items, now housed at the hospital’s Stroke Centre in Maiduguri, were transported to Nigeria with logistical support from the Borno State Government.
The governor disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the hospital and development partners to replicate the initiative in 20 general hospitals across the state, including the 10 newly established facilities.
He said the plan is aimed at attracting additional medical equipment and expanding access to quality healthcare services.
Zulum also welcomed UMTH’s decision to support comprehensive health centres in Rumirgo and Baga, assuring that the state government would provide the necessary infrastructure before the current hospital management leaves office to ensure the partnership takes off without delay.
“Before you leave office, we will ensure the required facilities are in place so that this partnership becomes operational. I also commend your team because such achievements are only possible through collective dedication,” the governor said.
The governor praised the outgoing Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as transformative leadership that has significantly improved the institution despite limited resources.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the partnership that brought the donations from the United States.
According to Zulum, the remarkable progress recorded by the hospital under Ahidjo’s leadership has positioned UMTH as a model healthcare institution, expressing confidence that history would remember his contributions positively.
Earlier, Professor Ahidjo commended Governor Zulum for the N500 million intervention provided to the hospital following the 2024 flood disaster, describing the support as timely and impactful.
He disclosed that N75 million from the intervention fund was used to ship the donated medical equipment from the United States, noting that the items themselves were donated free of charge.
The shipment includes advanced endoscopy and ultrasound machines, intensive care unit (ICU) beds, theatre beds, incubators, patient monitors, dental chairs, and other specialised medical equipment valued at hundreds of millions of naira.
Ahidjo said the hospital had received more than 20 modern ICU beds and several advanced diagnostic devices, adding that the equipment would be distributed across various departments to strengthen patient care.
He expressed optimism that Borno State could also benefit from future donations through the same international partnership.
The CMD further revealed that UMTH’s standalone Stroke Centre remains the only dedicated stroke treatment facility in Nigeria and currently manages nearly 100 patients receiving specialised care, a development he said has greatly enhanced healthcare delivery in the region.
The governor was accompanied during the inspection by 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; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barrister Mustapha Ali Busuguma, and other senior government officials.
