Hussaini Ibrahim 
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed his administration’s partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to strengthen healthcare delivery, announcing plans to equip 20 general hospitals with modern medical equipment across the state.
Zulum made the commitment while inspecting drugs, medical equipment and consumables donated from the United States to UMTH’s Stroke Centre in Maiduguri, according to a statement issued on Monday.
“Before you leave office, we shall do everything possible to ensure that the required facilities are on the ground so that the partnership will be implemented,” Zulum told the hospital’s outgoing Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo.
Zulum commended Prof. Ahidjo for transforming the teaching hospital and acknowledged the role of the state’s Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Mairo Mandara, in facilitating the donation of medical equipment from the United States.
“We have witnessed phenomenal growth and development in this teaching hospital since you assumed duty,” the governor said. “Posterity will judge you positively for all the good works that you have done for us in Borno State and indeed in Nigeria.”
Responding, Prof. Ahidjo thanked the Borno State Government for its ₦500 million intervention following the 2024 flood disaster.
He disclosed that ₦75 million from the intervention fund was used to transport the donated medical equipment from the United States.
Ahidjo also revealed that UMTH’s standalone Stroke Centre, which he described as Nigeria’s only dedicated stroke facility, currently provides specialised treatment for nearly 100 patients.
“Part of the ₦500 million you gave us, precisely ₦75 million, was used in shipping these donated items from the United States. All these items came at no cost to the hospital apart from the shipping expenses,” he said.
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Otamere Gladness 
Korede Abdullah 