Igala Cultural and Development Association Praises PAAU Pioneer Medical Students
ICDA urges swift action for the reestablishment of PAAU's College of Medicine, calling for a fully equipped teaching hospital to regain accreditation and support medical training in Kogi State.
Mary Nwaeze 
The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) has applauded the brilliant performance of pioneer medical students from Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), formerly Kogi State University.
The association also called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to accelerate the completion of a teaching hospital to facilitate the reinstatement of the institution’s College of Medicine.
In a statement made by ICDA President, Surgeon Commodore Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi, the association urged the government to correct the gaps that led to the suspension of the MBBS program in 2016, citing the lack of a functional teaching hospital as the primary hurdle. The ICDA emphasized the need for the teaching hospital not only to enhance medical education but also to improve healthcare services in Kogi State.
The ICDA commended the administration for transferring affected students to other institutions, where they successfully completed their training. However, they appealed to the government to revitalize the College of Medicine, upgrade the teaching hospital, and establish additional faculties, such as Engineering and Environmental Sciences, to strengthen PAAU’s standing.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted that despite being one of the oldest state universities in northern Nigeria, PAAU lacks key faculties found in younger institutions. He expressed optimism that swift government action would restore the university’s medical programs and align it with accreditation standards.
