Governor Zulum Honours Umth Chief Medical Director At Unimaid’s 84th Inaugural Lecture

The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has honored the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, with an Award of Recognition for his outstanding contributions to the health sector and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Borno State and beyond.

The award was presented to Professor Ahijo on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during the 84th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Maiduguri. The lecture was titled "Interventional Radiology In Nigeria: The Journey So Far, My Aspiration And Visionary Concept."

The recognition was in appreciation of Professor Ahijo’s hard work, professional achievements, mentorship, and immense contributions to the advancement of healthcare both within Nigeria and internationally.

The colorful academic event brought together academics, medical professionals from within and outside the country, government officials, students, and other members of the university community to celebrate scholarship, professional excellence, and the contribution of medical science to human development.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, highlighted the significance of inaugural lectures as an important tradition in the university system. He explained that inaugural lectures provide professors with a unique opportunity to share their knowledge, research experiences, and professional contributions with the university community and the wider society.

Professor Mele encouraged other qualified professors to deliver their inaugural lectures, assuring them of the university’s support. He also commended Professor Ahmed Ahijo for his contributions to the health sector, particularly his mentorship of younger professionals and efforts towards improving healthcare delivery, describing such contributions as important to the continuous growth of the university, the teaching hospital, and the wider society.

Delivering the 84th Inaugural Lecture, Professor Ahmed Ahijo spoke extensively on the development and importance of interventional radiology in Nigeria. He explained how modern radiological techniques have transformed medical practice by allowing doctors to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions with greater precision and, in many cases, without the need for conventional open surgery.

According to him, interventional radiology uses medical imaging technologies to guide doctors to specific areas of the body during procedures, allowing specialists to identify the exact location requiring treatment and perform procedures with remarkable precision. 

Professor Ahijo emphasized that this approach can make some medical procedures less invasive, reduce the risks associated with major surgery, and potentially shorten patients’ recovery periods.

He highlighted that radiologists play a crucial role in modern healthcare as medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases using medical imaging through technologies such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and other advanced imaging techniques.

Radiology is used in a wide range of medical procedures, including the treatment of blocked blood vessels, certain cancers, internal bleeding, drainage of abnormal fluid collections, and other critical conditions.

The lecture drew attention to the need for continued investment in medical technology, research, training, and human capacity development in Nigeria. Professor Ahijo noted that for a country seeking to improve access to quality healthcare, the development of specialized medical fields such as interventional radiology can contribute significantly to reducing the burden on patients and healthcare institutions.

He added that the advancement of the field also requires well-trained specialists, modern equipment, effective maintenance systems, and continuous professional development, and that the University of Maiduguri, through its academic and clinical institutions, has an important role to play in producing professionals for this growing area of medicine.

Professor Ahmed Ahijo is a distinguished Nigerian medical practitioner, academic researcher, Consultant Radiologist, and healthcare administrator from Rumirgo in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

His education began at Rumirgo Central Primary School from 1975 to 1981, before proceeding to Government Secondary School Uba from 1981 to 1984, and later Government Science Secondary School Waka Biyu from 1984 to 1986. He attended the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for his Advanced Level studies.

He commenced his medical education at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, from 1987 to 1994, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He later undertook postgraduate medical education and special training in radiology at the University of Maiduguri with additional training at the University College Hospital Ibadan from 1996 to 2002. 

Between 2007 and 2008, he undertook professional training at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria, and further at the Institute of Radiology at Washington University in the United States in 2009.

Before his current appointment, he served as the Head of the Department of Radiology at the University of Maiduguri. He assumed office as the 8th Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital on September 3, 2018. Since assuming office, he has emphasized the hospital's core responsibilities of healthcare service delivery, training, and research.