Gov. Zulum to sponsor more Borno indigenes to study medical courses

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sponsoring more Borno indigenes to study medicine and allied health courses at the Federal University of Health Sciences (FUHSA), Azare, Bauchi State.

Governor Zulum made this pledge during a courtesy visit by the Governing Council of the University led by its Pro-Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, at the Government House in Maiduguri on Monday.

“Borno State will continue to send students to FUHSA. We require more admission slots for our indigenes in medicine, radiography, nursing, and other related courses. If there are states not utilizing their quotas, we are ready to take them—just contact us.” Zulum stated.

He emphasized that his commitment to supporting the institution stems from the urgent need to produce more medical professionals, particularly in the North East region where there is a severe shortage of healthcare personnel.

“Human resources in healthcare are not only inadequate in the North East but across Northern Nigeria. There is a need for governments in the sub-region to support FUHSA so it can produce more graduates to bridge this gap. This is why I am committed to supporting the university,” Zulum added.

As Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum, Governor Zulum pledged to galvanise further support for the University by collaborating with other North East governors to identify areas of intervention, particularly in security, to foster the institution’s growth.

The governor also advised the Vice-Chancellor to focus on strengthening existing programmes before expanding into new courses, ensuring that FUHSA continues to produce highly qualified medical professionals.

“This is a health institution, and we must not compromise the standards of medical education. The Vice-Chancellor who is also the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) understands this best. If any institution should strictly adhere to the laid-down regulations for medical and allied programmes, it should be FUHSA,” Zulum affirmed.