FUHSO And FUHSTHO Managements Brainstorm On Sustaining Operations Amid Resource Constraints

The managements of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, FUHSO, and the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, FUHSTHO, have met to brainstorm on practical ways of sustaining effective operations amid limited resources.

The meeting was held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the University Teaching Hospital. It focused on infrastructure needs ahead of the commencement of clinical training for pioneer medical students.

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 putting modalities in place to ensure a smooth transition for the clinical students.

Prof. Uba expressed concern over the dearth of critical infrastructure at the teaching hospital and called for stronger collaboration between both institutions to develop home-grown solutions. He advocated regular consultations and urged staff to shun truancy, nonchalance and other attitudes inimical to institutional growth.

The Vice-Chancellor lamented the apparent neglect of investment in medical infrastructure in the Middle Belt, particularly at FUHSTHO, and appealed to the government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the hospital’s development.

He also commended the foresight and generosity of Chief Barrister Godwin Obla, SAN, for his significant investment in the teaching hospital, and urged others to emulate the philanthropist.

Responding, Prof. Agida disclosed that four committees had been constituted to address 12 key agenda items ahead of the arrival of clinical students. 

He supported the call for Public-Private Partnerships, PPP, and said the hospital had reached out to the Benue State Government, traditional institutions and wealthy individuals for support. He noted that apart from Barrister Obla’s contribution, the hospital was yet to receive significant investment from other sources.

The Registrar of FUHSO, Mr. Michael Okoko Ogiji, advised the teaching hospital management to put necessary structures and systems in place while broader funding opportunities are pursued.

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Augustine Ogwuche, described the relationship between the University and the Teaching Hospital as symbiotic. He stressed the need to strengthen the partnership and proposed that Heads of Departments maintain attendance registers to improve staff accountability.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for 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.