Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is set to receive a significant intervention to upgrade its medical facilities as part of a nationwide effort to curb the exodus of medical professionals, a phenomenon known as the “japa” syndrome.
This was announced during a visit by the Ministerial Monitoring Committee on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) High Impact Intervention Projects for Medical Schools.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, represented by Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, described the university’s selection for the project as justifiable, noting that ABU has consistently taken on the responsibility of training and retraining professionals from other institutions.
He highlighted the enormous pressure the university faces in providing medical education and the timely nature of the committee’s visit.
Details of the Intervention
The Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Muhammad Sani Shehu, explained that ABU is one of the beneficiary universities in the Northwest geopolitical zone.
He stated that the special intervention, which follows a proposal submitted by the college to TETFund, is specifically designed to improve medical courses and reduce the rate at which doctors leave the country.
Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, Chairman of the Monitoring Committee and Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, outlined the scope of the project.
The committee’s primary objective is to monitor the utilization of resources and ensure a more effective allocation of funds. The intervention will cover several key areas, including:
– Procurement: Acquiring simulation and laboratory equipment.
– Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of lecture halls, laboratories, and the upgrade of CBT and library facilities. This includes installing 2,000 functional computers and a 40KWH solar power supply.
– Specialized Equipment: Securing 50 additional phantom heads and 50 dental chairs.
– New Facilities: Establishment of a Model Pharmacy with pharmacovigilance and drug information services, as well as a pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory.
Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed thanked the university’s management for their warm reception and emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project to boost the nation’s medical education standards.
