Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has recorded a major milestone in healthcare and education with the restoration of the Faculty of Medicine at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba. The development follows his swift intervention in response to appeals from the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) to address lingering accreditation challenges that had stalled the programme for years.
On August 11, 2025, the ICDA delegation, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, formally sought the Governor’s support to revive the faculty. Without delay, Governor Ododo facilitated the clearance of accreditation hurdles with the National Universities Commission (NUC), leading to the long-awaited approval for the MBBS programme. This breakthrough has since been endorsed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), which granted full approval for PAAU to commence medical training.
With the new approval, the university will admit its pioneer batch of 50 medical students in the 2025/2026 academic session, beginning in October. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, described the development as a landmark achievement for Kogi, noting that it will boost medical education, expand healthcare access, and address the shortage of medical professionals across the state and beyond.
The Governor’s proactive leadership has been praised for prioritizing healthcare and education as central pillars of his administration. By reactivating medical training at PAAU, his government has not only expanded opportunities for young people but also reinforced Kogi State’s capacity to produce homegrown doctors who can strengthen the healthcare system and improve overall health outcomes.
This achievement further cements Governor Ododo’s reputation as a leader committed to inclusive governance “without borders,” cutting across political, tribal, and religious divides. As Kogi continues to thrive under his policies, stakeholders emphasize the importance of sustaining this momentum for continuity and long-term development in the years ahead.
