President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that his administration is expanding its footprint in the nation’s health sector in collaboration with state governments.
Tinubu stated this during the official transfer of the Akure complex of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) to the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH).
Speaking through the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, the president urged Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts in its commitment to providing a desirable healthcare system in the country.
According to him, the new federal government-owned teaching hospital will transform the health landscape of Ondo State and Nigeria in terms of training, research, and services.
“I want to thank the governor and his team for the amazing collaboration and facilitation to get us to the point we are today. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed, is committed to changing the health and social landscape of this country and is doing that with focus, boldness, and determination.
“To the health workers that are going to be working now, transiting to the Federal Government, I also assure you that we will cherish you, we’ll build you, and you will commit yourselves to the service of our people and the service of humanity,” he said.
Pate hailed the national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, among others, for their roles in actualising the dream.
Performing the official handing over and unveiling in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, explained that his administration took the bold step to further deepen medical education and research in the country.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said, “The decision to hand over this hospital is rooted in a clear and strategic vision to elevate the standard of healthcare for every citizen of Ondo State and the country as a whole.
“By handing over this asset to the Federal Government of Nigeria, we are effectively unlocking a stream of superior funding, advanced equipment procurement, specialised personnel recruitment, and robust inclusion in national and international research networks.
“We are confident that the brilliant minds we train here will benefit from enhanced research opportunities and collaboration with federal universities. I see a future where this institution, now under the Federal Government, will become a globally recognised centre of medical excellence, saving countless lives and defining a new era of healthcare in Nigeria.”
In his address, the Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, hinted that the new Futa Teaching Hospital will focus on advanced diagnostics and sub-specialist care and this will reduce the burden of travel and related expenses on patients and their families.
