President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for completing several healthcare delivery projects in Borno State.

He said investment in the health sector will ensure effective services at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

Tinubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, made the commendation at a book launch ceremony held at the UMTH conference hall, Maiduguri, Borno State.

The occasion featured the commissioning of projects, a book launch, an inaugural lecture and a send-off ceremony for the outgoing Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo.

Kachollom described the development at the UMTH as critical to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, noting that the hospital plays a strategic role in providing specialised clinical services, medical education, postgraduate training, research, professional development and innovation, particularly in the North-east.

She said the fertility clinic constructed by the NEDC should not be viewed merely as a completed structure, but as an investment in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

According to her, the value of any healthcare facility is ultimately determined by the quality of services it provides, stressing the need for adequate equipment, qualified personnel, proper maintenance and effective utilisation.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted the growing importance of radiology in modern healthcare, particularly with advances in ultrasound, CT, MRI, interventional radiology, digital imaging and artificial intelligence.

She, therefore commended the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria for providing a platform for scientific exchange and professional development, urging participants to translate knowledge generated at the conference into research collaborations, practical innovations and policies capable of strengthening diagnostic services across the country.

Kachollom also emphasised the importance of research, innovation and human capital development in building a stronger health system.

She said Nigeria must continue to train competent, ethical and innovative doctors, nurses, radiologists, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, researchers and other health professionals.

The Permanent Secretary congratulated the first cohort of medical ICT students being trained at UMTH, describing the programme as an innovative combination of medical knowledge and information and communication technology skills.

She commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for his leadership, professionalism, mentorship and contributions to the development of UMTH and the radiology profession in Nigeria.

,Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, commended the Federal Government and the NEDC for their continued support for healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening in the state.

Zulum described UMTH as a critical institution in Borno State, noting that the hospital had continued to provide essential specialist services and train medical professionals even during the most difficult years of insurgency in the state.