By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state through sustained support for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and deeper collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners.
Zulum made the commitment on Tuesday at the opening of the 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN), held alongside a book launch and the commissioning of newly completed projects at UMTH, Maiduguri.
The governor described the gathering as a significant milestone in efforts to advance healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services across Borno State and the North-East.
He said the state government would continue to support UMTH and other federal health institutions within available resources, while strengthening partnerships with relevant government agencies and development organisations.
“As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum said.»
The governor commended UMTH for its resilience and dedication to saving lives, training healthcare professionals and providing specialist services, particularly during the challenging years of insurgency and the recent flooding that affected parts of the state.
He also praised the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and his contribution to the institution’s development.
Zulum noted that UMTH had recorded significant improvements in infrastructure, specialist healthcare services, medical training, research and professional development under Ahidjo’s leadership.
“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” the governor said.»
He further described Ahidjo’s leadership as evidence that effective institutional management involves developing people, strengthening systems and creating structures capable of delivering lasting impact.
Zulum expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for Borno, particularly in the areas of healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.
He equally commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its interventions in UMTH and other institutions across the region.
According to the governor, the ARIN conference and associated activities provided an important platform for advancing research, sharing knowledge and promoting continuous professional development among medical practitioners.
He congratulated the management and staff of UMTH on the achievements recorded so far, expressing confidence that the newly commissioned facilities would improve healthcare delivery and further strengthen the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.
As part of the event, Zulum announced a N100 million donation on behalf of the Borno State Government towards the publication, Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo 2018–2026, authored by Dr. James Bwala.
The book chronicles Ahidjo’s tenure and achievements as Chief Medical Director of UMTH.
The high point of the ceremony was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Centre and En-Suite Maternity Complex, constructed through the intervention of the North East Development Commission, alongside the public presentation of the book.
The event attracted the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi; Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South; members of the National Assembly; Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmadu; a representative of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare; the Deputy Speaker and members of the Borno State House of Assembly; state commissioners; traditional rulers; the Managing Director of NEDC and other dignitaries.
