PAAU, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja Forge Partnership to Advance Medical Education, Clinical Training
By Uredo Omale
Public Relations Officer, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
ANYIGBA, Kogi State
Prince Abubakar Audu University and Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja have pledged stronger collaboration in medical education, clinical training, research and healthcare delivery.
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, and the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, have moved to strengthen institutional collaboration in medical education, clinical training, research and healthcare delivery.
The partnership took centre stage on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, when the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Dr. Abdulrahman Shehu, led a delegation on a courtesy and congratulatory visit to the Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, at his office in the Senate Building of the University.
The visit was principally to congratulate Prof. Usman on his appointment as the sixth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University and to commend the progress recorded by his administration since assuming office on February 11, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Shehu described the Vice-Chancellor as a progressive, visionary and result-oriented administrator whose leadership had continued to inspire confidence in the University community.
He expressed appreciation to Prof. Usman for receiving his delegation despite his demanding academic and administrative responsibilities, describing the Vice-Chancellor’s disposition as a reflection of humility, commitment and exemplary leadership.
Dr. Shehu, however, used the occasion to reaffirm the Federal Teaching Hospital’s readiness to establish a stronger working relationship with PAAU, particularly in the area of medical education and clinical training.
He said the hospital was prepared to provide the human and material resources required to support the University’s medical programmes, including clinical training for medical students and professional guidance towards the successful training and graduation of PAAU’s first set of medical doctors.
As part of efforts to give the proposed partnership a structured framework, the Chief Medical Director proposed the establishment of a Joint Advisory Committee comprising representatives of both institutions.
According to him, the committee would interface with relevant stakeholders, coordinate areas of collaboration and ensure effective implementation of agreed initiatives.
Dr. Shehu expressed confidence that the partnership would not only strengthen medical education and research but also enhance manpower development and healthcare delivery, with wider benefits for PAAU and Kogi State.
Responding, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman thanked the Chief Medical Director and his management team for the visit and the goodwill extended to the University.
The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated Dr. Shehu on his appointment as the second substantive Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessors through innovation, creativity and purposeful leadership.
Prof. Usman described the proposed partnership as timely and strategic, particularly in view of the University’s efforts to consolidate the development of its College of Health Sciences.
He acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, to the foundation of the College of Health Sciences, particularly the successful accreditation of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the accreditation had placed the University on a stronger footing to commence the effective training of medical professionals and stressed that collaboration with appropriate healthcare institutions would be crucial to achieving the desired standards in medical education and clinical practice.
Prof. Usman reaffirmed the University’s openness to partnerships capable of strengthening teaching, research, clinical training and healthcare services, describing institutional collaboration as an essential component of achieving sustainable academic excellence.
He also expressed appreciation to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for their continued support and commitment to the advancement of Prince Abubakar Audu University.
According to him, the support and encouragement of successive administrations have contributed significantly to the University’s growth, stability and ongoing transformation.
The visit ended on a positive note, with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas that will advance medical education, professional training, research and healthcare delivery in Kogi State.
A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of copies of the maiden edition of the PAAU Bulletin to the Chief Medical Director by the Vice-Chancellor.