The Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (FUAHSE), Enugu, has emphatically declared its commitment to contributing significantly to President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious mandate of training 120,000 qualified healthcare professionals within a 16-month timeframe. This ambitious goal aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers across Nigeria and bolster the nation’s healthcare delivery system. During the university’s inaugural matriculation ceremony, Vice Chancellor Professor John Emaimo underscored the institution’s dedication to fulfilling the President’s vision. He highlighted the swift action taken by the university to align with this objective, starting with securing accreditation for 18 allied healthcare degree programs from the National Universities Commission, and immediately commencing intensive academic training.
President Tinubu’s directive, issued during the foundation-laying ceremony for FUAHSE in March 2024, called for a substantial increase in healthcare manpower. This initiative encompasses a two-pronged approach: significantly expanding the number of frontline healthcare workers and doubling the number of primary healthcare facilities across the nation’s local communities. The latter involves raising the number of such facilities from 8,800 to over 17,000, thereby increasing access to basic healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. This comprehensive strategy underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system at both the human resource and infrastructure levels.
FUAHSE, in response to the President’s call to action, has rapidly embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development program to accommodate the anticipated influx of students and facilitate a conducive learning environment. This expansion encompasses the construction of a large auditorium with a seating capacity exceeding 1,000, a new library and ICT block, which are already completed and in use, and a substantial administrative building nearing completion. Furthermore, additional classroom blocks are under construction, with some already finished and ready for use. This proactive approach to infrastructure development demonstrates FUAHSE’s dedication to providing the necessary resources to support the training of a large cohort of healthcare professionals.
The institution emphasizes a strong focus on discipline and academic excellence, fostering an environment that prioritizes learning and mentorship while discouraging undesirable behaviors such as indolence, cultism, truancy, and rascality. This commitment to maintaining a high standard of conduct extends to both staff and students, creating a culture of accountability and mutual respect within the academic community. The university aims to instill not just academic knowledge but also essential values such as integrity and good moral standing, shaping well-rounded graduates prepared to contribute positively to society.
FUAHSE’s educational philosophy centers on practical, hands-on training designed to equip students with the skills needed to seamlessly integrate into the national healthcare team. The university’s curriculum is geared towards producing graduates who are not only competent healthcare professionals but also potential employers of labor, capable of contributing to national development. This emphasis on practical application and entrepreneurial skills aims to empower graduates to create opportunities for themselves and others, fostering economic growth and self-reliance.
Furthermore, FUAHSE’s unique approach to education extends beyond traditional academic disciplines by incorporating entrepreneurial training. Students are not only expected to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen allied health field but also to earn a professional diploma in an entrepreneurial venture. This dual certification approach equips graduates with both the specialized knowledge required for their healthcare profession and the business acumen to potentially establish their own practices or businesses. This innovative model contributes to the development of a well-rounded workforce capable of driving innovation and addressing the multifaceted challenges within the healthcare sector.
