President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to support the federal government’s drive to deliver a world-class healthcare system across the country.
Speaking through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, the President made the appeal during the official transfer of the Akure complex of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) to the newly established Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH).
The facility, one of three teaching hospital complexes formerly owned by UNIMED, will now operate under FUTA, while UNIMED retains its two other complexes located at the Medical Village, Laje Road, and Hospital Road in Ondo City, Ondo State.
Tinubu noted that the new federal teaching hospital would play a key role in transforming healthcare delivery, research, and training in Ondo State and across Nigeria.
“I want to thank the governor and his team for their outstanding collaboration in making today possible,” Pate said on behalf of the President. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply committed to transforming Nigeria’s health and social landscape with focus, courage, and determination. To the health workers transitioning to the Federal Government, we value you and encourage you to dedicate yourselves to serving our people and humanity.”
Prof. Pate also commended Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, and others whose contributions helped realize the project.
During the official handover and unveiling ceremony in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, described the transfer as a strategic move to enhance medical education, research, and healthcare delivery.
“The decision to hand over this hospital stems from a clear vision to elevate healthcare standards for the people of Ondo State and Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa said. “By ceding this facility to the Federal Government, we open doors to better funding, advanced equipment, expert personnel, and broader research collaborations. We foresee this institution becoming a globally recognized centre of medical excellence that will save countless lives and redefine healthcare in our nation.”
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, emphasized that the hospital would prioritize advanced diagnostics and specialist care to reduce medical tourism and ease the financial and emotional burden on patients and their families.
“This development will significantly cut down morbidity and mortality caused by delayed access to specialist treatment,” he said.