Bauchi State Governor, Sen. 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 cohort of MBBS graduates from the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, held on Thursday.
Represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, the Governor emphasized that his administration has made significant investments in the health sector to elevate it to global standards.
According to him, “We have ensured that health facilities, particularly at the primary level, are closer to the people. We have provided these facilities in each of the 323 political wards in the state.”
He added that substantial investments have also been made at the secondary level. All general hospitals across the state, including the Specialist Hospital, have been completely renovated and upgraded for effective and efficient healthcare delivery.
While congratulating the newly inducted medical doctors, the Governor urged them to exhibit professionalism and integrity in their duties, emphasizing that their primary responsibility is to save lives, not to prioritize personal gain.
In his induction address, the Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, described the occasion as heartwarming and a testament to the university’s progress in establishing a world-class medical college.
“This event marks significant progress in our effort to create a medical college that will rank among the best. I am confident that this vision, with a determined mission, will soon become a reality,” he said.
Prof. Garba, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Sani Kunya, recounted the challenges faced in establishing the medical college. “Initially, the idea of establishing a medical college at a technology-oriented university was met with resistance from many quarters, as they believed it was outside our scope.”
However, he stated, “Our determination to assist 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 practitioners, particularly in the North-East, which records the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. “The country urgently needs more doctors to cater to our growing population. For instance, the deficit of medical doctors in Bauchi State prompted the current administration to announce plans to recruit 100 doctors to serve in its hospitals.”
Prof. Garba advocated for every university in Nigeria to establish at least one faculty of medicine to address the imbalance in the doctor-to-patient ratio.
“We are proud to announce that the college has now reached maturity, with 116 staff members and over 262 students. The college has successfully received verifications and accreditations, enabling us to conduct examinations in pre-clinical courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, as well as clinical courses like Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology,” he said.
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He expressed optimism about the future of the college, stating, “By the grace of God, the college will continue to grow stronger with the caliber of its staff and the determination of its students. The university management remains committed to supporting the college’s development.”
Prof. Garba also announced that the university had received approval to commence a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, marking another milestone in the growth of the College of Medical Sciences.
He thanked the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, 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 the graduates we have produced. On behalf of the ATBU community, I thank you and your team for honoring our invitation,” he said.
To the graduates, he advised, “Remain steadfast and uphold the training you have acquired. We have equipped you not only in knowledge but also in character to fulfill the critical responsibility of saving lives.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of adhering to medical ethics. “Your attitude to your work will define your position in society. I am confident that you will not disappoint us.”