Professor Ahmed Ahidjo: Testimonies from the UMTH

Professor Ahmed Ahidjo: Testimonies from the UMTH

By: James Bwala

The administration of a healthcare system particularly in places like Borno state is an unnerving task for so many top managers. This is as a result of the growing poverty level among the people and lack of energy for the smooth running of such facilities coupled with ignorance and the expectations of the people. At the UMTH, the hospital runs in deficit. Despite these shortfalls, the CMD Professor Ahmed Ahidjo is doing the impossible in redefining management from lessons learnt and bringing succor to the people.

From cleaners to hospital assistants and high ranking medical personnel words are not enough to put in proper perspective how they wished to celebrate the CMD for such a revolution of historical proportion in the Management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Borno state, northeast Nigeria.

According to staff who chatted with NEWSng during a visit to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, they described the steps being taken by the CMD to ensure help comes to the hospital as the highest humility from such an acclaimed personality particularly in the medical profession. Professor Ahmed Ahidjo from their conclusion is a servant leader, who understands humility in a way too old fashioned for some many in his position.

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“On many occasions, we have seen Professor Ahidjo going round the hospital at 2:00 AM. Sometimes we wonder if he sleeps because in the morning you will also see him working. “A security Personnel at the UMTH said.

Describing his attitude to work, Chairman, JOHESU- Joint Health Sector Union, UMTH Chapter, and Pharmacist Umar Abdulkareem said the Professor of Interventional Radiology is a determined Manager, who understands that the way to growth is through selfless services and living for others. According to him, many staff have come to understand and appreciate the pains the CMD had to go through to bring development to the hospital.

“The CMD is workaholic and his pace is unequal in the history of the hospital and probably there may be none with his kind of attitude to work. For over 30 years, UMTH has never found it so good as this time and if history can repeat itself perhaps it will take another 30 to 40 years to have such a suppliant personality for a CMD whose thoughts, dreams and actions are geared towards services to the people.” He said.

Mrs Comfort Zoaka, shop owner at the UMTH told NEWSng that since she opened a provision shop at the hospital, she has seen many other CMDs but Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has changed a lot about the hospital through dedicated services and humanitarian kindness.

“Some have said that it is demeaning to stub low at such a position of relevance like a top manager asking for support from some individuals and organizations to make meaningful achievement.  But I see wisdom in Professor Ahidjo’s humility. Today, he is ranking the best in the country. This is a man who got reappointed for another four before he rounded up his first tenure. I think there is a lot to learn from him.” The head of Radiology Department, Dr. Ahmadu Sani observed.

A staff nurse, who was identified as ‘Kaltum’ had approached the CMD during a round with Media Experts at the Nursing School to show appreciation for the provision of Solar lighting to her Clinic. The expression on her face was an indication of a gratitude coming from a grateful heart.  “Thank you for Solar lighting sir, We are so grateful.” She said with a smile.

Zannah Aja, a Protocol Officer, who welcomed the NEWSng team from the Maiduguri International Airport had poured encomium on the CMD citing many examples of his achievements and relationship with his staff. He described the CMD as an extremely patient individual with the chest to carry the load of disappointment and a face to accept rejections but that he never gives up on target, which makes him unique and result oriented.

NEWSng observed that others in his place cannot do what he is doing to bring all the achievements tied to his name at the UMTH today. For him to bring these achievements, it takes great efforts, the task requires waiting, it requires asking and begging individuals and organizations for support. Indeed, when one considers himself rather than the glory in satisfying others he will be forgotten so soon. However, when one is living for others he will live forever.

Professor Ahmed Ahidjo: Testimonies from the UMTH