15/08/2026
FUHSO, FUHSTHO MANAGEMENTS BRAINSTORM ON SUSTAINING OPERATIONS AMID RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
The importance of adequate infrastructure to the seamless operation of any organisation cannot be overstated. In recognition of this, the managements of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), and the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSTHO), on Thursday, August 13, 2026, met at the University Teaching Hospital to brainstorm on practical ways of sustaining the effective operations of both institutions amid limited resources.
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Prof. Francis Aba Uba, commended the Chief Medical Director of FUHSTHO, Prof. Teddy Eyaofun Agida, for his proactive efforts in putting modalities in place to ensure a smooth transition as the pioneer medical students prepare to commence their clinical training.
Prof. Uba, who expressed concern over the dearth of critical infrastructure at the teaching hospital, called for stronger collaboration between the two institutions to develop home-grown solutions to address existing gaps.
While advocating regular consultations between the managements, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for staff of both institutions to live up to expectations by shunning truancy, nonchalance and other attitudes inimical to institutional growth.
Prof. Uba also lamented the apparent neglect of investment in medical infrastructure in the Middle Belt, particularly at FUHSTHO, and called for a change in the trend. He appealed to the government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the development of the teaching hospital.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, commended the foresight and generosity of Chief Barrister Godwin Obla, SAN, for his significant investment in the teaching hospital. He urged other individuals and organisations to emulate the philanthropist by deliberately investing in healthcare infrastructure, as is the practice in other parts of the country.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director of FUHSTHO, Prof. Teddy Agida, disclosed that four committees had been constituted to address 12 key agenda items ahead of the arrival of the clinical students.
Prof. Agida corroborated the Vice-Chancellor's call for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), disclosing that the teaching hospital had made efforts to reach out to the Benue State Government, traditional institutions and wealthy individuals for support. He noted that, apart from the substantial contribution of Barrister Obla, the teaching hospital was yet to receive significant investment from other sources.
On his part, the Registrar of FUHSO, Mr Michael Okoko Ogiji, advised the Management of the Teaching Hospital to take appropriate administrative measures to put the necessary structures and systems in place while broader interventions and funding opportunities are being pursued.
The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Augustine Ogwuche, described the relationship between the University and the Teaching Hospital as symbiotic and stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership for the mutual benefit of both institutions.
Dr. Ogwuche also supported the Vice-Chancellor's position on curbing truancy and recommended stronger mechanisms for staff accountability. He proposed that Heads of Departments maintain attendance registers to improve compliance and ensure that staff remain available to provide effective services.
The discussions underscored the urgent need to prepare adequately for the arrival of the clinical students through improved infrastructure, innovative funding strategies, investment partnerships, enhanced staff punctuality and accountability, stronger administrative systems, and joint advocacy for increased government support.
In attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Friday Godwin Okibe; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Mrs. Cecilia Ojabo; Head of Department of Nursing, Mrs. Oche Gladys; Principal Assistant Registrar, Dr. Christopher Abah; and other management staff of both institutions.
Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)
August 15, 2026