Ondo Pledges Full Support for FUTA Teaching Hospital Take-off

Akure, Ondo State – The Ondo State Government has reiterated its full commitment to the swift establishment and successful operation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa affirmed this pledge on Sunday during a reception for members of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Health Institutions at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa informed the visiting committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Patrick Umoh, that the state has already designated one of its specialist hospitals to serve as a temporary facility for the teaching hospital’s initial operations. This strategic move aims to expedite the take-off process while construction on the permanent site progresses.

Furthermore, the governor confirmed that the Ondo State government has allocated land for the development of the project’s permanent site. He emphasized his administration’s readiness to provide all necessary support to ensure the institution’s swift and successful establishment, highlighting the state’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and training.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that the oversight visit by the House Committee would significantly contribute to the enhancement of federal health institutions across the state. He noted that the visit would enable lawmakers to accurately assess the challenges and needs of these vital institutions. “The feedback from this oversight function will not only benefit the federal and state governments but also health professionals and the people of Ondo State,” the Governor stated.

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Earlier, Hon. Patrick Umoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Health Institutions, explained that the visit was part of the committee’s nationwide oversight tour of federal health institutions, aligning with its legislative mandate. He appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to continue fostering an enabling environment and providing the necessary support for the prompt take-off of the FUTA Teaching Hospital.

Hon. Umoh underscored the project’s importance to the committee’s broader objective of stabilizing the nation’s healthcare system. He emphasized that the success of the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” in the health sector heavily relies on robust partnerships with sub-national governments like Ondo State.

“We are counting on your cooperation and support to see that this critical project comes to life. Your input will be vital in driving the federal government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the nation,” the lawmaker asserted.

The establishment of the FUTA Teaching Hospital has been a long-awaited development for the Akure community, with various stakeholders, including the traditional ruler and community leaders, actively advocating for its realization.

President Bola Tinubu had previously ordered the immediate establishment of the hospital, with Professor Olusegun Ojo appointed as its pioneer Chief Medical Director, effective March 5, 2025. The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) received approval for its MBBS program from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2010, commencing in the 2020-2021 academic session, making the establishment of a teaching hospital crucial for the clinical training of its medical students.