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Exclusive: Professor Ahidjo explains why UMTH established the ICT Center

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Exclusive: Professor Ahidjo explains why UMTH established the ICT Center

By: Our Reporter

The Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, has said the primary objective of establishing the ICT Center at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) is to enhance human capacity development specifically within the realm of medical ICT. 

According to the CMD, this initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals and students with essential digital skills required for efficient healthcare delivery and management. Interestingly, by integrating advanced ICT tools and training programs, UMTH seeks to foster a workforce capable of leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline medical processes. 

“Human capacity development through the ICT Center involves providing formal training, access to resources, and practical exposure to current technological advancements in medicine. This aligns with findings from similar educational contexts where formal ICT training significantly improves knowledge and utilization among medical students, thereby enhancing their professional competence. Consequently, the center not only supports individual skill enhancement but also contributes to institutional growth by promoting a culture of continuous learning in medical informatics.” He explained. 

NEWSng reports that the UMTH ICT Centre serves as a pivotal platform for building proficient healthcare personnel adept in medical ICT. Its establishment reflects an understanding that modern healthcare increasingly depends on digital literacy and technological innovation, reinforcing UMTH’s commitment to advancing health service quality through human capital development.

Speaking to the CMD, he explained that it has been observed that newly employed ICT graduates from universities and polytechnics often require a significant adjustment period to fully comprehend the specific ICT systems and operational needs within a hospital environment. This delay he observed can be attributed to the unique demands of healthcare settings, which differ substantially from general ICT applications taught in academic institutions. The complexity of hospital information systems, he also said, includes patient data management and medical device integration, adding that this necessitates specialized knowledge beyond standard ICT curricula.

“These graduates may lack practical exposure to healthcare workflows during their training, resulting in an initial gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Bridging this gap involves targeted on-the-job training and mentorship tailored to hospital-specific technologies. The establishment of the ICT center, therefore, in addressing these challenges, is crucial for improving system efficiency and ensuring that ICT professionals can effectively support critical healthcare operations at UMTH.” The CMD said. 

Professor Ahmed Ahidjo explained that the UMTH has resolved to establish a Diploma Course in Medical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address the growing intersection between healthcare and technology. This program aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in both core ICT competencies and essential medical sciences, fostering interdisciplinary expertise crucial for modern healthcare environments.

“The curriculum will integrate modules covering computer systems, data management, and software applications alongside medical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and healthcare ethics. This balanced approach ensures graduates are proficient in managing health information systems while understanding clinical contexts, thereby enhancing their ability to support digital health initiatives effectively. Furthermore, embedding practical training within clinical settings will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

“This diploma course at UMTH is designed to prepare competent professionals who can navigate the complexities of medical ICT. By combining rigorous ICT education with relevant medical courses, the program addresses current workforce demands in healthcare technology integration.” He added. 

He explained that there is a strategic initiative to offer conversion courses aimed at medical personnel interested in information and communication technology (ICT). This interdisciplinary approach seeks to equip healthcare professionals with digital skills essential for addressing evolving global health demands. Integrating ICT into medical practice can enhance data management, improve patient care, and foster innovation in telemedicine, which is critical in today’s interconnected world. 

According to him, the rationale behind these conversion courses lies in bridging the gap between healthcare expertise and technological proficiency. As digital transformation reshapes various sectors, including agriculture and health, equipping medical personnel with ICT competencies aligns with global trends toward digitization. Such education empowers practitioners to contribute effectively to healthcare digitization initiatives and respond adaptively to emerging challenges.

“Overall, UMTH’s commitment reflects a forward-thinking educational model that addresses global needs by fostering cross-disciplinary knowledge. By preparing medical personnel for ICT integration through conversion courses, UMTH positions itself as a leader in cultivating professionals capable of leveraging technology for improved health outcomes.” He said. 

Exclusive: Professor Ahidjo explains why UMTH established the ICT Center

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Flood: Over 1,200 Houses Affected in Damboa and Chibok

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Flood: Over 1,200 Houses Affected in Damboa and Chibok

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has carried out rapid assessment in communities affected by the recent flood disaster in Damboa and Chibok local government areas with 1,209 houses affected in 4 different communities.

Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has earlier directed the Agency to immediately carry out assessment and intervention in communities affected by flood and windstorm disasters.

The affected areas include Gumsuri, Garjang and Wovi in Damboa as well as Mboa, Whuntaku and Yarchida villages of Chibok local government.

Governor Zulum had, on Tuesday, sympathised with residents of the affected communities and families of those that lost their loved ones in Chibok, Damboa and Askira

“I received with profound sorrow the sad news of the devastating flood disaster in Gumsuri, Wovi and Garjang in Damboa as well as the people of Mboa, Whuntaku and Yarchida villages of Chibok local government which claimed lives and displaced many families. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by these disasters,” Governor Zulum stated.

During the on-the-spot assessment, the Acting Director General of SEMA, Ali Abdullahi Isa, said his visit was at the instance of the governor, assuring to deliver relief items to victims of the disaster.

“As directed by his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, we have carried out on-the-spot assessment of all the areas affected by the flash flood in the two local governments,” Ali stated.

“A total of 1,103 houses in Gumsuri, Wovi and Garjang in Damboa LGA have been severely affected while 106 houses in Mboa, Whuntaku and Yarchida villages of Chibok local government were also affected,” he added.

The DG prayed Almighty Allah to prevent future occurrences.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of SEMA has provided relief items to families affected by the windstorm disaster in Rumirgo town of Askira Uba local government.

The DG alongside district coordinator of the Agency were received by the Vice Chairman and the District Head of the area.

Flood: Over 1,200 Houses Affected in Damboa and Chibok

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover arms in Pulka-Kirawa axis

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover arms in Pulka-Kirawa axis

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two terrorists and recovered weapons and logistics items during a fierce encounter along the Pulka–Kirawa road in Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama on Thursday that the encounter occurred as troops engaged a group of terrorists attempting to cross toward the Dar-Jamal area around the Miyanti axis.

The confrontation, which resulted in a sustained firefight, led to the elimination of two terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene include AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, motorcycles, Baofeng radios, cell phones, hard drugs, medical drips, and mini solar panels, believed to be used by the terrorists for field operations.

The troops have continued to pursue the fleeing insurgents as part of the ongoing offensive operations in the general area.

Troops neutralise terrorists, recover arms in Pulka-Kirawa axis

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VP Shettima Inaugurates NCGC Board, Says Firm Will Unlock MSME Financing In Nigeria

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VP Shettima Inaugurates NCGC Board, Says Firm Will Unlock MSME Financing In Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Board of Directors of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC Ltd), charging members to deepen financial inclusion and stimulate Nigeria’s grassroots economy.

The new institution is designed to serve as a financial backbone for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggling with access to affordable credit.

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima said the establishment of NCGC represents the government’s commitment to bridging the financing gap that has long plagued MSMEs across the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on May 29, 2025, announced the establishment of the company, just as he also approved the appointment of its board and management team.

The President also appointed former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as Chairman of the NCGC Board, while Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo was appointed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

While inaugurating the board, the Vice President said, “This is our response to a stubborn challenge that has stifled our economic potential for decades—access to finance. These entrepreneurs do not ask for handouts; they ask for the credibility of their ideas to be matched by the confidence of our financial institutions.”

Describing the NCGC as “a critical engine in our pursuit of economic inclusion and sustainable growth,” VP Shettima explained that the company will serve as a vital bridge between entrepreneurs and financial institutions, providing the trust needed for small businesses to secure loans.

He cited instances of farmers, traders, artisans, and tech entrepreneurs across the country who, despite being productive, are often stranded due to a lack of collateral or guarantees.

“NCGC is that bridge. It is the assurance that when a farmer in Ibadan needs a loan to expand her cocoa farm, when a tech start-up in Abuja needs working capital to scale, when a leather artisan in Kano seeks to mechanise his craft, and when a trader in Onitsha needs capital to expand, the system will no longer fail them. It is a promise that productive Nigerians will not be stranded for want of guarantees,” the Vice President said.

To the newly inaugurated board, chaired by former Speaker Dogara, VP Shettima urged its members to combine “prudence with courage, accountability with ambition,” as they translate national policy into impact.

“This is a call to deploy your diverse expertise not only as overseers but as enablers of transformation,” he charged, adding that the new board’s leadership is important in unlocking capital for Nigeria’s most enterprising but underserved sectors.

“On behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GFCR, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I hereby declare the Board of Directors of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited duly inaugurated,” he stated.

Earlier, the new board’s Chairman, Rt. Hon. Dogara thanked President Tinubu for the bold and courageous leadership he is providing for the country.

“The establishment of NCGC is an attempt to give vent to our democracy to deliver on its promise. As it is said, the promise of democracy is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“You can be alive and may enjoy all the rights, but if you don’t have the means with which to pursue happiness, you are excluded from the promise of democracy. Our democracy must deliver not just political and individual rights but economic opportunities,” he said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director (MD) of the Bank of Industry (BOI) and member of the board, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said that the establishment of the NCGC reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to removing structural barriers that long constrained access to finance for MSMEs, manufacturers, consumers and other segments of the economy.

“This milestone is a result of dedicated hard work by a coalition of partners like BOI, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and the World Bank, who have all worked closely together under the direction of the Presidential Committee,” he said.

Other members of the board include Mrs. Tinoula Aigwedo, Executive Director of Strategy and Operations; Dr. Ezekiel Oseni, Executive Director, Risk Management; and Ms. Yeside Kazeem, Independent Non-Executive Director.

Representatives from key financial institutions serving as Non-Executive Board Members of the company include Mr. Aminu Sadiq-Umar (MD, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority), Dr. Olasupo Olusi (MD/CEO, Bank of Industry), Mr. Uzoma Nwagba (MD, Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation), and Mrs. Oluwakemi Owonubi (representative of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated).

VP Shettima Inaugurates NCGC Board, Says Firm Will Unlock MSME Financing In Nigeria

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