The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) is making arrangements to celebrate its 40th anniversary with its Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, poised to set yet another record of achievement since he took over the management of the hospital, which is currently the largest in Nigeria.
The anniversary, according to Malam Babagana, the hospital’s former Director of Administration, is the first of its kind since the establishment of the institution in July 1983.
“There was never a time the UMTH celebrated its establishment since 1983. I think the only time there was a gathering was at the opening of the Kidney Centre. The 10th anniversary, 20th anniversary, and 30th anniversary were mere observances. This is the first time that the institution has come up with the idea, and I believe it is worthwhile,” Babagana said.
Testimonies from staff and communities around the UMTH indicated that the institution has grown both in terms of structures and quality of services. With more than 1,200 beds, the hospital is the largest in the country, rendering services to residents of Borno State, and Northeast Nigeria in general, as well as the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, which border the state.
According to Prof Ahmed Ahidjo, the teaching hospital, which started operations in 1983 with a 300-bed capacity and four departments, is the pride of the northeast and Nigeria today.
Ahidjo, a professor of interventional radiology and the first CMD to have his contract renewed before the end of his term, said the hospital has plans to conduct outreach to the surrounding communities for free medical activities during the anniversary. He also disclosed that awards will be given to deserving individuals who contributed to the successes recorded in the hospital.
“There are significant changes in the hospital now. Looking back on where we started, one cannot deny the fact that we are growing. We are growing because there are many more projects on ground. Some will be commissioned during the Ruby anniversary,” he said.
While addressing members of the anniversary committee, headed by Professor Shehu Liberty, the CMD reminded them of the importance of ensuring a befitting 40th anniversary for the institution.
He gave them a six-week period to make all the necessary arrangements.
One of the terms of reference of the committee is to develop an anniversary logo that reflects the current state of the hospital.
