By Gbenga Akingbule
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Thursday revealed that the State Teaching Hospital will commence operations in May, to improve the healthcare delivery services in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state government allocated the lion’s share of its 2025 budget to the Healthcare sector which now surpasses the 15% budgetary allocation recommended by African Leaders for the health sector annually.
The huge allocation to the state Ministry of Health according to the governor, will ensure the completion of the construction of Borno State University Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri and the expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme for civil servants and vulnerable citizens across the 27 Local Government Areas.
While Inaugurating Chairmen and Members of three healthcare Boards –
Borno State Hospital Management Board, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital Board, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board at Government House, Maiduguri, Governor Zulum said the State University Teaching Hospital will further improve the healthcare delivery services in the state
Prof. Zulum charged the new board to “ensure the smooth take-off of Borno State University Teaching Hospital latest by May
2025.”
The governor assured that the state government will promptly provide the necessary funds to ensure the successful commencement of operations at the State Teaching Hospital.
“I know it’s not easy for a new institution to take off, but we shall not hesitate to release funds for the take-off of the new Teaching Hospital,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum also commended Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, Chairman of the Borno State University Teaching Hospital Board who is also the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), urging him to replicate his outstanding achievements at the new teaching hospital.
Prof Ahidjo in turn, on behalf of his fellow board Chairmen and members expressed gratitude to the governor for bestowing on them a huge task and promised not to fail in their assignment.
The Chief Medical Director of UMTH commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to revitalizing healthcare delivery services in the state.
Ahidjo noted that the new State University Teaching Hospital will play a crucial role in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, thereby bridging the gap in the health sector.
“The State Teaching Hospital is not only for service provision but human resource development. We intend to prioritise the production of Doctors and Dentists.
“We will equally produce Nurses, Physiotherapists, Medical Lab Scientists, Pharmacists and all relevant health professionals at degree level. And even if we produce enough, it’s going to be to our advantage to export them because in turn, there’s going to an economic benefits to our society,” Prof Ahidjo said.
Meanwhile, the governor also inaugurated the Borno State Local Government Service Commission Board which comprises the Chairman and four permanent commissioners.
