CMD Prof Ojo unveils expansion plans at first anniversary FUTA Teaching Hospital
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTA TH), Prof. Olusegun Ojo stated that collaboration with both Nigerian and international institutions to produce highly skilled and ethical healthcare professionals will be given top priority going forward.
Prof. Ojo who made this known in Akure while addressing a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the hospital’s establishment declared that the long-term vision of the institution is to build a premier training hub capable of competing globally in delivering research-based healthcare and medical education.
The CMD also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising funding for the new teaching hospital, describing the federal government’s intervention as a turning point in the realisation of the long-standing aspiration to establish a federal tertiary health institution in Akure.
He said the directive of President Tinubu, implemented through the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, led to the transformation of the vision of a Federal Teaching Hospital in Akure into reality and his appointment as the pioneer Chief Medical Director.
According to him, the former UNIMED Teaching Hospital Annex in Akure is currently serving as the operational take-off site of the institution while preparations are ongoing for the development of its permanent headquarters.
He explained that the hospital is presently transitioning from a general hospital structure to a fully structured federal tertiary academic medical centre.
To achieve this, he said the management is promoting attitudinal reorientation, improved work ethics, professionalism, patient-centred accountability and service excellence among staff.
Ojo disclosed that one of the early milestones of the hospital was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ondo State Government, which formalised the takeover of the UNIMED Teaching Hospital facility for the establishment of FUTA Teaching Hospital.
He added that the management also verified and documented all inherited staff, leading to the development of the hospital’s official nominal roll, which is expected to receive federal government approval soon.
The CMD further revealed that the hospital has constituted its top management team and held a maiden retreat to develop a strategic blueprint and establish a cohesive leadership structure.
He noted that contractors and revenue collectors had also been appointed to improve operational efficiency, including the recruitment of laundry contractors to strengthen hospital support services.
According to him, several new departments and units have been created, including the SERVICOM Unit, Planning, Research and Statistics Unit, Protocol and Public Relations Units, as well as Departments of Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Molecular Biology and Translational Medicine.
Looking ahead, Ojo said the hospital is committed to major infrastructure upgrades such as the development of new outpatient clinics, expanded inpatient wards, a modern Emergency Medicine Department, upgraded pathology laboratories and modular operating theatres.
He added that advanced diagnostic facilities such as digital X-ray systems, CT scans and MRI machines would also be installed to improve service delivery and meet international healthcare standards.
The CMD said the hospital is also working towards acquiring modern medical equipment including echocardiography machines, endoscopy systems and digital patient monitoring devices.
He further disclosed that staff retraining programmes are being strengthened through collaborations that provide orientation programmes, fellowships and continuous professional development opportunities.
Ojo noted that the hospital would soon launch residency and fellowship training programmes focusing on research into tropical diseases, maternal health, non-communicable diseases and mental health.
He added that community outreach would also be expanded through mobile clinics, health fairs and public health education programmes aimed at improving healthcare access for underserved communities.
He said the hospital’s long-term projection includes a major infrastructure overhaul, the establishment of adult and neonatal intensive care units, high-speed digital connectivity and telemedicine services.
According to him, the institution also plans to lead in medical research through dedicated research centres, institutional ethics committees and internationally recognised publications that will drive innovation in diagnostics, treatment and public health policy.
Ojo added that specialised services such as emergency interventions, cancer care, dialysis and neurosurgery would soon become readily accessible in Akure, reducing the need for medical tourism and improving survival outcomes.
He stressed that through corporate social responsibility initiatives, including school health programmes, radio health awareness campaigns and patient advocacy efforts, the hospital will continue to reach underserved communities while promoting patient rights and service satisfaction.
