BY MUSA MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR, SEPTEMBER 02, 2024 | 05:53 PM
Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo's achievements over the past six years have been so profound and impactful that they will eclipse what many might accomplish in six decades. Prof. Ahidjo who hail from Rumirgo, Askira Uba Local Government area of Borno State, a seasoned piorneer Interventional Radiologist not only in Nigeria, but in the whole of West African Sub-Region began his tenure as Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) on September 3, 2018.
His leadership has resulted in significant infrastructural advancements and improvements in the hospital's capabilities, greatly enhancing its ability to meet the health needs of Borno, North East and Nigeria at large. For his commitment to ensure accountability in public sector in 2021, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) ranked UMTH first among the corrupt free Hospitals in Nigeria.
Indeed a good turn deserves another, he was reappointed as the Chief Medical Director UMTH for a second term tenure of 4 years by the Hon. Minister of Health on 1st June, 2022 with effect from 3rd September, 2022.
Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo is a recipient of numerous professional awards of excellence including National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare system in the Country.
Also recently, Prof was turbaned as the First Zanna Mburshema of Borno, meaning Trustworthy by His Royal Highness, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR for his continued commitment in serving humanity not only in North-East Nigeria. Under his realm (UMTH) earned the 2024 “Best Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year” at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence (NHE) Award Ceremony in Lagos yesterday 21st June 24.
The CMD has secured several state-of-the-earth projects, numerous other upgrades, extensions, equipment replacement and overhaul are still ongoing within the hospital.
Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Center: A 150-bed facility with a helipad, addressing the demand for emergency care during the insurgency.
-Physical Rehabilitation Center: Built in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for victims of bombings and gunshot wounds.
Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa General Out-Patient Department: Includes a retainership complex and NHIS.
Sen. Kashim Shettima School of Nursing Hostel: A 160-bed facility to alleviate accommodation issues for students.
Burns Center: Designed for treating burn victims.
1000-seat Auditorium: Donated by the Borno State Government to enhance training and efficiency.
Muktar Aliyu Betara Cancer Center: The largest in West Africa, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Kidney Center Extension: An 80-bed facility with four theaters and advanced equipment.
Six Units of 24 Houses:
Constructed and furnished by the Borno State Government.
Zainab Ahmed Shamsuna Child and Adolescent Institute: A comprehensive facility for child care.
Hadi Ukashatu Gumel School of Nursing Hostel: A 160-bed hostel.
Radiology and Histopathology Extensions: Enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
-Power and Infrastructure: A 7.5MW sub-station and a solar power facility.
- Interventional Radiology Center - Heart Center - Fertility Center - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center.
Under Prof. Ahidjo's leadership, UMTH has not only expanded its infrastructure but has also set new benchmarks for healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the West African region, establishing itself as a premier hub for healthcare excellence. His tenure has helped reduce health tourism by offering top-notch services to patients from neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Prof. Ahidjo has transformed UMTH into one of the best tertiary public hospitals in Nigeria, featuring the largest bed capacity and the most affordable cancer treatment services in the nation. His leadership has also led to a remarkable increase in staffing, with the number of employees doubling over the past five years.
Additionally, the hospital has sponsored numerous local and international training programs in partnership with global institutions to enhance service delivery. It is no surprise that UMTH elected as the best tertiary hospital in Nigeria, this is akin to the statecraft of the seasoned pioneer Prof in Interventional radiologist in west Africa. Currently, he is also playing a crucial role in the development of the Borno State University Teaching Hospital.
RAD MUSA MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR CHAIRMAN- SBAMP SEC GEN ARN UMTH CAPTER
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