Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, FUHSO Professor Francis Uba, has commended the Federal Government for establishing the institution, describing it as one of the most strategic steps taken to address Nigeria’s healthcare manpower gap.
Speaking during an engagement with journalists on Monday in Otukpo, the VC said the university was established in 2015 to produce highly skilled health professionals and bridge the wide gap in the doctor-to-patient ratio. He noted that while the WHO recommended 1 doctor to 600 patients, Nigeria had 1 doctor to 6,000 patients at the time.
“By this single act, the federal government has taken an exemplary leap on the continent of Africa,” he said. “For the federal government of Nigeria to think it worthy to establish this could not be avoided.”
He added that the vision was to train health personnel that would serve the Nigerian population and, in the future, position the country to export medical professionals and generate revenue, similar to what obtains in parts of Eastern Europe.
The VC who said the university was suspended six months after establishment and was reactivated in 2019, disclosed that the current administration assumed office on May 13, 2025, and met a student population of about 564, with most capital projects below 45% completion.
He said management engaged contractors who had abandoned site, and that work has now resumed. “As I speak to you, the projects are at various levels of completion. Some will be handed over in a few weeks,” he said.
He listed the administrative block as 90-95% complete, the College of Medicine at 90-96% complete, and a hostel block as ready for handover. He also noted progress on faculty buildings and access roads to the permanent site. The VC appreciated TETFund for consistent support in the allocation and release of funds.
On academic development, he said the university secured 100% accreditation on its first resource verification visit, which he described as unprecedented. “It will take almost 2, 3, 4 visits for other schools. Here, just one visit and we got 100% accreditation,” he said.
He stressed that the university cannot function in isolation and is collaborating with its teaching hospital to ensure clinical training for students. The first three years of training hold on campus, while the remaining years will be in the hospital
Speaking on town-gown relations, the VC said the university enjoys a “robust, family relationship” with the host community. He disclosed that tuition was reduced from over N500,000 to less than N200,000 on assumption of office, while mathematics students are on full scholarship. “All these changes have endeared us to the community,” he said.
On security, he said the situation is “daunting” but the school has put in place an organized security architecture. He added that the Federal Government is also establishing a mobile police unit at the permanent site.
The VC identified water shortage as a major challenge and appealed for the completion of the Otobi Dam project to address the challenge. He said the student population has increased from 600 to over 2,000.
The VC commended the state government for donating a general hospital to the university for use as a teaching hospital. He said the donation has strengthened town-gown ties and called for additional support to further develop the institution.
“Health is wealth, and you cannot deny it,” he concluded. “I am forever grateful to the federal government for what they have done.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugbe commended the VC’s administration for clearing outstanding staff entitlements, securing MDCN accreditation for the MBBS programme, and driving the move to the permanent site. These efforts, he said, have boosted staff morale and strengthened the University’s capacity to train competent health professionals. Comrade Ugbe expressed readiness to partner with the institution in projecting its programmes, innovations, and reaffirmed commitment of journalists to fairness, objectivity, and developmental journalism.
