Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in resettled communities across the state.
Governor Zulum made the pledge while inspecting drugs, medical equipment, and consumables donated to UMTH from the United States, which were transported to Maiduguri with support from the Borno State Government at the Stroke Center of Teaching Hospital.
The Governor disclosed that discussions are underway with UMTH and development partners to replicate the initiative across 20 general hospitals in the state, including the 10 newly constructed facilities, by attracting more medical equipment and healthcare interventions.
He also welcomed the decision by the Teaching Hospital to support two comprehensive health centres in Rumirgo and Baga, assuring that the state government would provide the required infrastructure and facilities before the outgoing hospital management completes its tenure, paving the way for the partnership to commence.
“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. I also commend those working with you because, without the support of the staff, such achievements cannot be made,” Zulum said.
He commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as remarkable achievements that have transformed the institution despite limited resources and thanked the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the connection with the United States.
“We have witnessed phenomenal growth and development in this teaching hospital since you assumed duty. I want to assure you that posterity will judge you positively for all the good works that you have done for us in Borno State and indeed in Nigeria,” he added.
Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for the N500 million intervention following the 2024 flood disaster and other invaluable support to the hospital.
He said the N75 million out of the amount was used to ship the donated equipment, which includes state-of-the-art endoscopy and ultrasound machines, ICU beds, theatre beds, incubators, monitors, dental chairs, and other critical medical supplies.
“Part of the N500 million you gave us, precisely N75 million, was used in shipping these donated items from the United States. 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,” Ahidjo stated.
“We have over 20 modern ICU beds, advanced diagnostic equipment, and many other medical facilities that will be distributed across our departments. We believe Borno State can also benefit from similar donations through this same partnership,” he added.
According to the CMD, the hospital’s standalone Stroke Centre, is the only dedicated stroke facility in the county, noting that the centre currently has nearly 100 patients on admission, most of them receiving specialised treatment for stroke, significantly improving healthcare delivery in the region.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit 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; among others
.