First anniversary: FUTA Teaching Hospital reaffirms commitment to growth, quality healthcare

By Dayo Johnson c The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, said this in a statement marking the first anniversary of the Federal Government’s takeover of the Akure Annex of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH). Prof Ojo said the official takeover on October 23, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the long-standing aspiration to establish a federal tertiary hospital in Akure.

Reflecting on the journey so far, he said the hospital has recorded modest progress despite challenges associated with establishing and transitioning to a new federal institution. “Like every new beginning, laying a solid foundation is often the most challenging stage. However, the greatest source of joy is the assurance that FUTA Teaching Hospital has come to stay,” Ojo said.

He noted that Federal Government recognition of the institution has fulfilled a long-standing aspiration and provided a solid foundation for sustainable growth, institutional stability and improved healthcare delivery. According to him, within the first year, management has strengthened specialist medical services by bringing in specialists and consultants across various medical disciplines.

He said this has expanded specialist coverage and made a wider range of medical expertise available to patients, reflecting management’s determination to improve access to specialised care and position the hospital as a major centre for advanced healthcare, medical training and research. Ojo disclosed that the Federal Government has also provided the hospital with its take-off grant, which he described as a significant boost to its development plans and operational capacity.

“The Management is optimistic that the impact of the Federal Government’s financial commitment will become increasingly visible in the coming weeks as ongoing and planned developmental initiatives translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, facilities, and service delivery,” he said. He added that management remains committed to deploying available resources judiciously and establishing sustainable structures to strengthen operations, improve patient experience, enhance staff productivity and fulfil its mandate in specialised healthcare, medical education, research and innovation.

The CMD acknowledged that the transition has not been without challenges, particularly regarding the absorption and documentation of some staff members. “The Management wishes to empathise with affected employees, especially those who are yet to receive their salaries and those who are yet to be fully captured in the relevant federal establishment and payment systems,” he said.

“We are fully cognizant of the difficulties that our affected staff members are experiencing, and we do not take their concerns lightly. We feel their pain, appreciate their patience, and recognise the sacrifices they continue to make during this transition. “While we may not be able to resolve every concern immediately, we remain hopeful that the present difficulties will give way to better days.” Ojo appealed to affected staff to remain patient, stressing that staff welfare remains a priority for management.

He appreciated the dedication of the workforce and noted that staff welfare is fundamental to institutional stability and effective service delivery. He appealed to staff, stakeholders and the general public to continue supporting the hospital as it develops the administrative, operational and infrastructural foundations required for long-term success.

“The transition from a state-supported facility to a federal teaching hospital involves administrative adjustments, the establishment of appropriate institutional structures, and the alignment of operations with federal standards and procedures,” he said. “The task before us is bigger than the challenges of today. We are building an institution that must stand the test of time, provide good quality healthcare, support the training of future medical professionals, advance research, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“We would therefore appeal for patience, understanding, and cooperation from our staff and the public. The structures we are putting in place are intended to create a stronger hospital that will serve the best interests of our staff, patients, communities, and the nation.” He said as the hospital reflects on its first year under federal ownership, management remains focused on consolidating the gains of the transition, addressing current challenges and pursuing sustainable development.

The hospital thanked the Federal Government, the Ondo State Government, the Akure community, staff, patients and other stakeholders for their support throughout the transition process.