The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially handed over sites for the construction of critical infrastructure at the Prince Abubàkar Audu University Teaching Hospital (PAUTH) Anyigba.
In a press release by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ministry of Health, Dorothy Onoja, the Governor was represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adams Adeiza,
The projects according to the release, include the construction of new classrooms, a library, a multipurpose medical laboratory, consultant offices, and the renovation of the existing clinical laboratory.
The governor emphasised that the facilities will enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver quality training to medical and allied health students, restore lost accreditations, and expand medical research and healthcare services.
Governor Ododo, recalled the setback of losing accreditation for medical student training in 2015, but celebrated the success of students who graduated despite the challenges.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to consolidate achievements and investing in projects that touch lives, drive development, and secure a brighter future for Kogi State citizens.
He urged the host communities to take ownership of public infrastructure, protect them, support government initiatives, and collaborate with contractors. While directing contractors to deliver quality work within the stated timeline in 2025.
The vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba (PAAU), Professor Marietu Tenuche, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for his commitment to human capital development in the health sector.
Prof. Tenuche described this development as a “long dream come true” and highlighted the university’s efforts to revive the MBBS program, which was stopped in 2012.
She added that, the university, has introduced programs like Nursing Science, BSc Anatomy, BSc Physiology, BSc Medical Science Laboratory, and BSc Pharmacology to support the MBBS program.
While praising the pioneer medical students, who excelled in other universities after losing accreditation for the MBBS program, she made regerence to three students from the University, who won 18 out of 20 awards, showcasing the potential of the university’s students.
She attributed the previous inability to commence the MBBS program to the lack of a teaching hospital, which was addressed by the provision of the Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital by the state government.
Prof. Tenuche thanked the governor and commended the Commissioner for Health for their commitment and focus on the project.
The event marks a significant milestone in the university’s pursuit of reviving its medical programs and enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.
The Acting Chief Medical Director of Prince Abubakar University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Nayo Anthony, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his commitment to healthcare development in Kogi State.
He praised the governor for building on the legacy of his predecessor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who initiated the medical school project. The new infrastructure he said, will enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare and support the medical program.
The CMD highlighted the hospital’s progress, including receiving medical consumables and equipment, expanding specialised treatment services, and establishing a functional histopathology lab.
The state government, he stated, has also built an oxygen plant, which will supply oxygen to the hospital and other healthcare facilities in the local government area.
Additional projects set for construction he said, include: A Dialysis Center, soon to be flagged off, Maternal and Newborn Care Program in Partnership with National Health Insurance and free Pre-Pregnancy Services would be made Available at PAUTH and other general hospitals in Kogi State
Also speaking, the Provost of the School of Medicine, Dr. Akogu Simon, gratitude to the government and the university’s leadership for their commitment to the project. He maintained that Prof. Tenuche, has been instrumental in driving the project forward, and her leadership has paid off with the realization of the MBBS program.
In the same vein, The Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government, Hon. Urah John, The member representing Dekina/Biraidu constituency and chairman House committee on Health, Hon. Usman Ochidi, The Eje Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje, represented by Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Ogohi Onu Anyigba, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for fulfilling his promise to bring the project to life.
A representative of the the contractors, Zach Uhiani and Afan Nigeria Limited, expressed commitment to meet the expectations of the Governor and Commissioner, while ensuring the laboratory’s excellence and functionality in line with the state’s healthcare development goals.
