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