Inside FUHSO's by Okwo romeon Transformation: How Strategic Leadership and Media Partnership Are Shaping Nigeria's Next Medical University By Okwo romeon

 The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), is rapidly emerging as one of Nigeria's most promising specialised universities, driven by strategic leadership, expanding academic programmes and a growing commitment to research, innovation and quality healthcare education.

This progress came into focus during a working visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Francis Aba Uba

The visit, held at the university's conference hall, was aimed at assessing ongoing academic activities, evaluating infrastructure development at the institution's permanent campus in Akwete-Akpa and exploring opportunities for collaboration between the media and the university.

Speaking during the engagement, Comrade Ugber said the visit was in line with the constitutional responsibility of the media to inform, educate and promote development through factual, balanced and objective reporting.

According to him, the NUJ seeks not only to highlight the university's achievements but also to draw public attention to areas requiring greater government intervention and support from development partners.

He noted that stronger collaboration between the media and the university would enhance FUHSO's visibility, improve public confidence and attract investments capable of accelerating its growth.

The NUJ Chairman commended the leadership of Professor Francis Aba Uba, describing his administration as one that has delivered remarkable achievements within a short period.

Among the milestones he highlighted were the prompt payment of outstanding staff entitlements, accreditation of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), expansion of academic programmes and rapid infrastructure development at the university's permanent site.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the journalists and described their visit as a demonstration of responsible journalism and constructive public engagement.

Professor Uba said the establishment of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, by the Federal Government marked a significant milestone for healthcare education in Nigeria, describing it as the first specialised health university in the North Central region.

He explained that the university was established with a vision of becoming a world-class institution for learning, scientific research and innovation dedicated to producing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Since assuming office on May 13, 2025, Professor Uba said the university has witnessed significant growth in student enrolment, rising from 564 students to more than 2,300 through strategic collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the introduction of additional academic programmes.

The university currently offers courses in Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health and Physiology, while plans are underway to introduce more programmes in health and agriculture-related disciplines.

Professor Uba also highlighted improvements in staff welfare, revealing that salary arrears inherited by his administration were cleared within his first 28 days in office, while omitted staff members were successfully captured on the payroll.

Infrastructure development has equally gathered momentum, with abandoned projects at the permanent campus revived and nearing completion. These include students' hostels, academic buildings and the College of Medicine complex.

He attributed much of the progress to the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the university's Governing Council and the commitment of members of staff.

The Vice-Chancellor, however, noted that challenges remain, particularly the need for additional land for expansion, improved water supply to the permanent campus and stronger partnerships to support research, innovation and specialised healthcare training.

He called on governments, development partners, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support the university's long-term vision of becoming one of Africa's leading centres for medical education and research.

The visit ended with both the university management and the NUJ expressing optimism that stronger collaboration between academia and the media would not only deepen public awareness of FUHSO's achievements but also contribute to the institution's continued growth as a centre of excellence in healthcare education.