Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned and formally handed over a newly constructed 42-room patients’ accommodation facility to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), in another major intervention aimed at improving healthcare services and easing the burden on patients and their families.
The newly completed facility, constructed by the Borno State Government, is designed to provide temporary accommodation for relatives and visitors accompanying patients receiving treatment at the teaching hospital.
The intervention is particularly significant for patients and families who travel from communities across Borno State and neighbouring states to access specialised medical services at UMTH.
For many families, prolonged hospital treatment often comes with additional challenges, including the cost of accommodation, feeding and transportation. The new patients’ lodge is therefore expected to reduce some of these difficulties and provide a more convenient environment for families supporting their loved ones during treatment.
Zulum’s growing intervention at UMTH
The commissioning of the 42-room facility adds to a series of interventions carried out by the Zulum administration at UMTH over the years.
The governor had earlier presented a N100 million financial support to the teaching hospital to help address funding gaps, particularly in the procurement of medical consumables and other essential requirements.
His administration also constructed 24 three-bedroom residential apartments for medical personnel at the hospital.
The staff accommodation project was intended to address housing challenges faced by healthcare workers and improve their proximity to the hospital, particularly those involved in critical and emergency medical services.
The availability of suitable accommodation for medical personnel is considered important for ensuring that doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers can respond more effectively to emergencies and provide continuous services to patients.
N1 billion support for kidney transplant and maternal healthcare
In another major intervention, Governor Zulum approved N1 billion in financial support to facilitate kidney transplant services and strengthen maternal healthcare at UMTH.
The support is part of efforts to improve access to specialised medical treatment and reduce the need for residents to travel outside Borno State or Nigeria for certain procedures.
The governor also provided a N500 million intervention to the hospital following the 2024 flood disaster, helping the institution respond to challenges arising from the emergency.
These interventions reflect the state government’s broader approach of supporting federal healthcare institutions operating within Borno, despite UMTH being under the Federal Government.
Support beyond the teaching hospital
Governor Zulum’s interventions have not been limited to UMTH.
The Borno State Government has also provided support to several federal government institutions and agencies operating in the state.
In the security sector, the administration has distributed patrol vehicles and other logistical support to security agencies and formations to strengthen their operational capacity and improve security across the state.
The governor has similarly supported educational institutions and other federal establishments through infrastructure development, housing projects and financial assistance.
At the University of Maiduguri, the state government has constructed housing quarters and provided other facilities and infrastructure as part of efforts to improve the institution’s operating environment.
Zulum’s administration has also approved substantial take-off grants for federal institutions, including the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare; Federal Polytechnic, Monguno; and Federal College of Education, Gwoza.
UMTH management appreciates governor’s support
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his continued support to the hospital.
Ahidjo commended the governor’s interventions in healthcare and described the various projects and financial assistance as significant contributions to the hospital’s ability to serve patients.
The new patients’ accommodation is expected to complement existing facilities at UMTH and improve the experience of families who accompany patients for treatment.
Improving healthcare access in Borno
Healthcare remains one of the major areas of focus of the Borno State Government, particularly as the state continues to rebuild critical infrastructure and strengthen public services.
The administration’s interventions at UMTH have covered several areas, including medical funding, staff accommodation, specialised healthcare, disaster response and infrastructure.
The 42-room patients’ lodge represents another practical investment in the healthcare system because access to quality healthcare extends beyond doctors, medical equipment and treatment. For patients receiving prolonged care, the availability of safe and affordable accommodation for their relatives can also play an important role in their overall experience.
With the completion and handover of the facility, UMTH is expected to have additional capacity to accommodate families accompanying patients, while the hospital management can continue to focus on improving medical services.
The latest project also highlights the Borno State Government’s continued collaboration with federal institutions operating in the state, with the objective of strengthening essential services and improving the welfare of residents.
Governor Zulum was accompanied at the commissioning and handover ceremony by the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, members of the State Executive Council, special advisers and other senior government officials.
