Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday commissioned three major healthcare projects in Monguno town, including an eye hospital, a dental hospital, and a nursing college.
Speaking at the inauguration, Zulum said the nursing college was designed to address the shortage of medical personnel in rural areas, noting that it would train students in nursing, midwifery, and allied health courses to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce.
The eye hospital, equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, will provide cataract, glaucoma, and trachoma treatment, while the dental hospital will offer both basic and specialized dental care. The governor also flagged off free eye surgeries for 5,000 less privileged residents of northern Borno.
Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, commended Zulum for consistently prioritizing healthcare in the state, meeting the Abuja declaration’s 15 percent budgetary allocation benchmark.
In addition, Zulum approved ₦3 billion for the construction of a specialist hospital in Monguno, which will serve as a referral center for ten local government areas in northern Borno. The facility will be equipped with MRI, CT scan, and other state-of-the-art equipment, and will support residency training for medical doctors.
To address accommodation needs, the governor also announced plans to build 100 housing units for healthcare workers in the town, with interim arrangements to provide rental housing until the estate is completed.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, Rep. Bukar Talba, and Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan.
