The Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) in Akure, Ondo State, has called on stakeholders to support its ongoing development efforts aimed at strengthening medical research, training and healthcare delivery.
The appeal was made by the hospital’s pioneer Chief Medical Director, Olusegun Ojo, while addressing journalists during activities marking the institution’s first anniversary.
Ojo said the Federal Government-owned teaching hospital is positioning itself to become a leading centre for medical research in Nigeria, working with both local and international partners to advance innovation in healthcare.
According to him, the institution, established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in March 2015, is already emerging as a major training hub for healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and health administrators.
“We aim to lead in medical research through dedicated research centres, institutional ethics committees and internationally recognised publications that will drive innovation in diagnostics, treatment and public health policy,” Ojo said.
He added that the hospital plans to expand specialised medical services in areas such as emergency care, cancer treatment, dialysis and neurosurgery, making advanced healthcare more accessible to residents of Akure and surrounding communities.
According to the CMD, these services would help reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment, a trend commonly referred to as medical tourism.
Community outreach and partnerships
Ojo said the hospital also plans to strengthen its community outreach programmes through initiatives such as school health programmes, radio health awareness campaigns and patient advocacy efforts aimed at reaching underserved populations.
He urged volunteers, non-governmental organisations, businesses and community leaders to partner with the hospital through donations, infrastructure development and advocacy for stronger healthcare policies.
Funding and operational challenges
Despite its progress, Ojo acknowledged that the institution has faced several challenges, particularly in accessing funding during its early stages.
He explained that when the hospital was established, the federal budget for the year had already been passed and partly implemented, creating initial funding constraints.
“Humans are the most important input into any development effort,” he said, noting that restructuring administrative systems and reorienting staff to new institutional frameworks also required significant effort.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the management team is making steady progress in building the institution’s operational capacity.
Support from government and traditional leaders
The CMD also commended the Ondo State Government for providing logistical support to the hospital and acknowledged the backing of traditional institutions, including the Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
According to him, collaboration between government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders will be critical to the hospital’s long-term growth and its ability to deliver improved healthcare services to the public.
