Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring that citizens have access to quality healthcare services, from primary to tertiary levels.
The Governor made this statement during the induction and swearing-in ceremony of the second batch of MBBS graduates of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, held on Thursday.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, the Governor emphasized that his administration has made significant investments in the health sector to raise it to global standards.
According to him, “We have made health centers, especially those at the primary level, closer to the people. We have provided these facilities in each of the 323 political districts of the state.”
He added that significant investments have also been made at the secondary level. All general hospitals in the state, including the Specialist Hospital, have been completely renovated and upgraded to provide effective and efficient healthcare delivery.
While congratulating the newly hired doctors, the Governor urged them to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in their duties, emphasizing that their primary responsibility is to save lives, not prioritize personal gain.
In his induction address, the Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, described the occasion as moving and a testament to the university's progress in establishing a world-class medical school.
“This event marks significant progress in our effort to create a medical school that is among the best. I am confident that this vision, with a determined mission, will soon become a reality,” he stated.
Prof. Garba, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sani Kunya, recounted the challenges faced in establishing the medical college. “Initially, the idea of establishing a medical school at a technology-oriented university was met with resistance from many quarters, as they believed it was out of reach.”
However, he stated, “Our determination to help the northeastern part of the country, where we are located, and the nation at large by producing much-needed doctors, kept our dream alive. Today that dream is a reality.”
He highlighted the dire need for medical professionals, particularly in the northeast, which has the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. “The country urgently needs more doctors to care for our growing population. For example, the shortage of doctors in Bauchi State led the current administration to announce plans to recruit 100 doctors to provide services in its hospitals.”
Professor Garba advocated that all universities in Nigeria establish at least one medical school to address the imbalance in the doctor-patient ratio.
“We are proud to announce that the university has reached maturity, with 116 staff members and more than 262 students. The faculty has successfully received verifications and accreditations, allowing us to conduct examinations in preclinical courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, as well as clinical courses such as Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology,” he said.
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He expressed optimism about the future of the university, stating: “By the grace of God, the university will continue to grow stronger with the caliber of its staff and the determination of its students. “The university leadership remains committed to supporting the development of the faculty.”
Professor Garba also announced that the university had received approval to commence a Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme, marking another milestone in the growth of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
He thanked the Secretary of the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council, Dr. Fatima Kyari, for her professionalism and commitment to maintaining the quality of Nigerian doctors.
“Your presence here today is an endorsement of the quality of graduates we have produced. “On behalf of the ATBU community, I thank you and your team for honoring our invitation,” he said.
He advised the graduates: “Stay firm and maintain the training you have acquired. “We have equipped them not only in knowledge but also in character to fulfill the critical responsibility of saving lives.”
He concluded by highlighting the importance of respecting medical ethics. “Your attitude towards your work will define your position in society. I am sure you will not disappoint us.”