News Editor
From Archibong Esuene, Abuja
In a decisive moves to redefine Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) and the Institute of Viral and Emerging Pathogens at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), have gone into partnership in an effort to elevate health care innovation.
The two Institutions entered a an historical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance medical education, research, and frontline response to infectious diseases, including Lassa Fever and emerging pathogens.
The Strategic Collaboration for National Health Advancement which was Performed virtually at both FUHSO’s take-off campus in Otada, and the conference room of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
New Nigerian Newspapers gathered that signing ceremony of the MoU, marked a bold commitment to bridging academia and clinical practice in Nigeria.
The partnership will drive joint training programs, cutting-edge research, and enhanced diagnostic services, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global health innovation.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Professor Stephen Abah, an authority in Community Medicine, described the MoU as “a blueprint for synergy between education and healthcare delivery.”
“This collaboration isn’t just about sharing resources—it’s about creating a legacy, and together, we will train world-class professionals, pioneer groundbreaking research, and set new standards for medical excellence in Africa.”
Key Areas of the Partnership Training & Capacity Building include – Joint programs to up skill healthcare workers, with potential dual certifications in specialized fields.
Research Revolution: This involves collaborative studies on viral pathogens, leveraging ISTH’s expertise in Lassa Fever management and FUHSO’s academic rigor, Advanced Diagnostic Networks: Shared laboratory infrastructure to boost Nigeria’s pandemic preparedness and diagnostic accuracy.
According to him academic Innovation involves the Development of accredited diplomas and certificates in infectious disease management and public health.
On the Leadership Vision, the ISTH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Reuben Agbons Eifediyi, underscored the urgency of the alliance on “Infectious diseases know no borders; by uniting FUHSO’s academic prowess with ISTH’s clinical experience, and we’re building an unbreakable shield for Nigeria—and a model for the world” .
The MoU signing was witnessed by top medical professionals and University dons including scholars including the immediate past pioneer Vice Chancellor of FUHSO, Prof Innocent Ujah, mni, Prof John Idoko, former Provost, College of Medicine – FUHSO – Prof Oladapo Shittu as well as other Senior Management Team of both ISTH and FUHSO.
The collaboration aligns with the United Nation, (UN) Sustainable Development Goals for health equity and positions Nigerian institutions as key players in the fight against emerging pandemic.
Recall that FUHSO, Nigeria’s premier specialty Health Sciences University, and ISTH, a WHO-recognized center for Lassa Fever research, represent the vanguard of Africa’s healthcare transformation.
