Kogi State Gov, Ododo Restores MBBS Programme At PAAU Anyigba After 10 Years.
Emmanuel Clement
Governor Usman Ododo has successfully restored the MBBS programme at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, after a 10-year suspension, following the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) full re-accreditation.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, disclosed this in a press statement yesterday, describing the approval as a landmark achievement.
The Health Commissioner Dr.Adams stated that the landmark achievement,is part of Ododo’s strategy to boost Kogi State’s healthcare workforce.
According to him,the programme was initially accredited in 2012 but lost accreditation in 2015 due to infrastructure gaps.
He noted that the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello, upon assuming office in 2016, swiftly intervened by approving full scholarships and facilitating the transfer of affected third-year medical students to other institutions.
“Today, over 90% of those students have successfully graduated,” he said.
According to him, Alh. Yahaya Bello also approved the construction of a state-of-the-art clinical complex at the university, which has since been completed and put to use.
“In addition, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, was mandated to commence all basic sciences and allied health programmes required to support a robust MBBS curriculum—an instruction that has since been carried out.
“Upon assuming office in 2024, Governor Ododo directed a fresh review of the requirements for restoring the MBBS programme and gave immediate approval for the provision of outstanding facilities.
These included a multi-purpose medical students’ teaching laboratory, lecture halls, a library, consultant offices, and student hostels.
“These projects received prompt approval from His Excellency, and I personally represented him at the official handing-over of project sites to contractors,”
Dr. Adams noted that construction work began immediately and is now at an advanced stage.
“Following the infrastructural and academic upgrades, the university invited the NUC for a fresh round of resource verification.
“Based on the successful outcome of the exercise, the commission has now granted approval for the full re-establishment of the MBBS programme at the university.”
Adams described the development as part of Governor Ododo’s holistic strategy to expand the state’s healthcare workforce.
He highlighted other strategic investments in medical and health education across the state, including the College of Nursing in Obangede, the College of Health Sciences in Idah, the College of Medical Sciences at CUSTECH, Osara, and now, the fully restored College of Medical Sciences at PAAU, Anyigba.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, on his part, described the re-accreditation as another promise kept.
“During his campaign, Governor Ododo promised to ensure the return of the MBBS programme to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
“Today, he has fulfilled that promise. He continues to make difficult tasks look simple with his results-driven style of leadership.
“This is a remarkable demonstration of an unyielding commitment to improving healthcare resources in the state,” Fanwo stated.
