Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured residents that the state’s flagship 400-bed capacity Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital will be completed and ready for operation within the next 60 days.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday evening during an inspection visit to the multi-billion naira healthcare facility as part of his ongoing assessment of major infrastructure projects being executed across the state.
Speaking to journalists after touring the hospital, Governor Zulum revealed that more than 90 percent of the construction work had been completed, while all medical equipment and installations required for the facility had already been procured and delivered.
“The equipment meant for this hospital has all been purchased, procured, and delivered. You can see the level of development in the hospital, and the consultant has informed us that over 90 percent of the work required has been completed,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the remaining work would be completed within two months, enabling the hospital to commence operations.
“We believe that within the next 60 days, we will round off all the outstanding works, and the hospital will be ready for utilisation. Regarding human resources for health, approval has already been granted, and about 350 staff members have been employed. We are set to go and ensure that this hospital, which has been our dream project, comes to stay,” Zulum added.
Governor Zulum noted that his administration had made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure and was committed to ensuring the effective management and sustainability of the new facility.
He stated that the hospital would operate under a carefully designed management structure that balances affordability with long-term sustainability.
“Business as usual will not be feasible. The cardinal objective of any government is to bring succor to the people, particularly the less privileged. However, we must establish certain standards for costing. We cannot charge like a private hospital, but we also cannot make everything completely free. There must be a minimum threshold that will ensure the sustainability of the hospital,” he explained.
The governor also stressed the importance of fully automating the hospital’s billing and management systems to promote transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
According to him, the facility has the potential to serve not only residents of Borno State but also patients from neighboring countries, positioning it as a major referral center for quality healthcare services in the region.
During the inspection tour, Governor Zulum also visited the 300-bed State Orthopedic Hospital along Dikwa Road, which is currently about 85 percent completed, and directed contractors to ensure its completion within the next four months.
The governor further inspected the ongoing road network construction at the Maiduguri Industrial Hub.
He was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, special advisers, permanent secretaries, and other senior government officials.
