Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to transform healthcare delivery in the state, while announcing a N100 million donation towards a book documenting the tenure of the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo.
Zulum made the commitment on Tuesday in Maiduguri at the opening of the 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN), where he also commissioned a Fertility Care Centre and En-Suite Maternity Complex funded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The governor said the expansion of specialist healthcare infrastructure at UMTH was particularly significant for Borno, which has endured years of insurgency and, more recently, devastating flooding that placed additional pressure on public institutions and healthcare services.
He assured UMTH and other federal health institutions in the state of continued government support, stressing that sustainable improvements in healthcare would require stronger partnerships among federal and state authorities, development agencies and professional bodies. “As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum said.
The governor described UMTH as a critical healthcare institution for Borno and the wider North-East because of its role in providing specialist medical services, training healthcare professionals, conducting research and responding to the needs of communities affected by prolonged humanitarian and security challenges.
He commended the hospital’s management under Prof. Ahidjo for what he described as significant progress in infrastructure development, specialist services, medical education, research and professional development.
“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” Zulum told the UMTH leadership.
The newly commissioned Fertility Care Centre and En-Suite Maternity Complex are expected to expand access to reproductive and maternal healthcare in Borno and neighbouring states.
The NEDC-funded projects form part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen critical infrastructure across the North-East, where years of conflict have severely weakened public services and healthcare systems.
Zulum commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Borno in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening, while also appreciating the NEDC for its interventions across the region.
The governor further announced a N100 million donation by the Borno State Government towards Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, 2018–2026, authored by Dr. James Bwala.
The book chronicles Ahidjo’s career and achievements as UMTH Chief Medical Director and was formally presented at the event.
Zulum said the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise institutional leadership and document the contributions of professionals involved in rebuilding and strengthening public institutions during challenging periods.
He also noted that the ARIN conference, scientific sessions, book presentation and commissioning of the healthcare projects highlighted the importance of research, knowledge exchange and continuous professional development in building a resilient healthcare system.
The governor congratulated the management and staff of UMTH on the achievements, expressing confidence that the newly commissioned facilities would further strengthen the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi; Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of the National and Borno State Houses of Assembly; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; commissioners; traditional rulers; the Managing Director of NEDC and other dignitaries.
