Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to improve healthcare delivery across the state, particularly in resettled communities.
Governor Zulum made the pledge during an inspection of drugs, medical equipment and consumables donated to UMTH from the United States at the hospital’s Stroke Centre in Maiduguri. The shipment was facilitated with support from the Borno State Government.
The governor disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the teaching hospital and development partners to replicate the initiative in 20 general hospitals across the state, including the 10 newly constructed facilities, by attracting additional medical equipment and healthcare interventions.
He also welcomed UMTH’s decision to support two comprehensive health centres in Rumirgo and Baga, assuring that the state government would provide the necessary infrastructure before the tenure of the outgoing hospital management ends.
“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.
The governor commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for transforming the hospital despite limited resources. He also praised the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the partnership with donors in the United States.
Source: PRESS RELEASE
“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,” Zulum added.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Ahidjo appreciated Governor Zulum for the N500 million intervention provided to the hospital following the 2024 flood disaster and other continuous support from the state government.
According to him, N75 million from the intervention fund was used to transport the donated medical equipment from the United States.
He explained that the shipment included advanced endoscopy and ultrasound machines, ICU beds, theatre beds, incubators, patient monitors, dental chairs and other critical medical supplies valued at hundreds of millions of naira.
“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 said.
He added that the hospital had received more than 20 modern ICU beds and other advanced diagnostic equipment, expressing confidence that Borno State could benefit from similar donations through the same partnership.
The UMTH Chief Medical Director also noted that the hospital’s standalone Stroke Centre remains the only dedicated stroke treatment facility in the country, with nearly 100 patients currently receiving specialised care, significantly improving access to quality healthcare in the region.
Governor Zulum 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, and other senior government officials.
