Health
The Burns Centre: Professor Ahidjo’s Management Crusade At UMTH

The Burns Centre: Professor Ahidjo’s Management Crusade At UMTH
By: Balami Lazarus
Recently, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has been the subject of a great deal of positive commentary. These reports on medical facilities, services, and administration have enhanced the delivery of healthcare to the people of Borno state and Nigeria as a whole. However, everything claimed was true.
While the media has never highlighted the core of her medical development and advancement, NEWSng has dedicated itself to the story over the past few months and started to tell it in-depth, giving the true position from its interactions with staff, management interviews, patients, and from observation of what is happening on the ground to bring these positive lights on UMTH- the largest so far in Nigeria.
The leadership and management team of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the CMD, has brought this great institutional hospital to the next level of international standard in line with her objectives. These include the provision of medical facilities, capital projects, staff welfare, and labor relations.
There are just a few Burns Centers throughout the entire nation, and Yola and Maiduguri are the only two in the northeast. North East Development Commission (NEDC) constructed the UMTH Burns Center as part of its duties. The Burns Treatment Center has been in operation since it was commissioned in April 2022.

The Burns Centre At UMTH
This became possible following the story that the health industry has been one of Borno’s worst-hit industries throughout the more than 13-year Boko Haram conflict. The terrorists believed that by attacking government buildings, the people of the state and the administration would be forced to face the brunt of their campaign. As a result, health centers in Borno state and northeast Nigeria became targets. In Borno state in parts of the local government areas, hospitals and health centres were damaged, vandalized, or set on fire.
The few health centers and facilities that were serving the populace became overburdened as a result of the attacks in the majority of local government districts, which prompted inhabitants to migrate to Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State. This led to difficulties in the health sector.
Because of the overcrowding in the different internally displaced persons camps, which housed people who had been uprooted by the insurgency, infections were more likely to spread there. However, the difficulties in the health sector were reduced with the arrival of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and its interventions in the various health centers in Maiduguri and environs, particularly the partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), which gave birth to the much talk about Burns Centre.
The opening of the Burns Center was a much-welcomed development and a milestone that has maintained the UMTH’s prominence. It is vital to construct this Center because of the unique environment in Borno state. the unrest that engulfed the state during the height of the insurgency, when killings and destructions resulted in fatalities, injuries, and fires.
Burn patients lack a specialized unit or center in hospitals in the northeast to care for them since at the height of the insurrection there was no hope in sight for those suffering from burns. Only the accomplishments noted during Ahidjo’s led medical administration may reveal the concept of the management team to cooperate for growth with the Northeast Commission.
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One of the centers that some guests and hospital partners are unaware of is the UMTH Burns Center.”Except for the Kidney Center, Cancer Center, and Trauma Center, which I am all aware of, I have never heard of the Burns Center. But not for Burns Center. According to a report, a hospital visitor remarked this in response to the present situation there.
The Center’s head, Professor Chubado Tahir, a burns specialist and consultant, told NEWSng that it focuses on various burns treatments. Burns may be caused by fire, heat, or radiation, Professor Tahir continued. All of these are taken care of and treated in this Center. For the treatment and care of burns, we have all the required tools and supplies. My crew is skilled and trained in treating burns. Added Prof. Chubado.
He claimed that as burns are a delicate harm to the body in part or whole, the burns center is comparable to an intensive care unit. Burns come in two varieties: small burns and serious burns. Additional classifications include first-, second-, and third-degree burns. He clarified.
When NEWSng took a tour of the Center, nurse Aisha Umar Ngohi, a Metron, was there. Metron Ngohi stated that the hospital’s Burns Center is a good addition since “it has significantly lowered the rate of deaths from burn injuries.” You will receive the best treatment and attention at our infection-free facility. Additionally, it functions as an intensive care unit where recovery is handled with great care. Our wards are strictly reserved for patients exclusively. The open wards you often find in hospitals are not like this one.

The Burns Centre At UMTH
Burns have long been an ailment that needed skilled treatment, while others required surgical grafts. The Burns Center “came at the right time for the people of Borno state, considering the nature of our present environment where you find people with severe burns injuries as a result of the happenings in the northeast,” said Dr. Kefas Mbaya, a consultant of Plastic and Burns Surgery.
“In this sense, the Center has been achieving its main goals of providing patients with burn treatments and procedures. The Center has also advanced burn research and understanding through training medical students and researchers in the field.
The inability of some patients to pay for their medical costs is one of the difficulties this center has to deal with. The majority of our patients struggle to pay for their therapies. Treatments, care, and medicines for burns are necessary. Burn treatment medications are pricey. Therefore, we must account for our costs for consumables like oxygen, bandages, and cotton, among others. He spoke.
Another difficulty that NEWSng was forced to comprehend was the requirement for ventilation holes to be guarded from insects that can injure patients in wards. The Burns Center is one of several medical centers housed at the UMTH.
The Burns Centre: Professor Ahidjo’s Management Crusade At UMTH
Health
UMTH: Another Cap for the Chief Medical Director: Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo’s Distinguished Govtech Trailblazer Award

UMTH: Another Cap for the Chief Medical Director: Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo’s Distinguished Govtech Trailblazer Award
By: Dr. James Bwala
The evening of October 10th, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the annals of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), for emerging as the Best Federal Health Institution in ICT Integration. Also the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, was honored with the title of Distinguished Govtech Trailblazer. This recognition, conferred by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms at a grand ceremony held in the Presidential Villa in Abuja, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to healthcare innovations and exemplary leadership within the public sector. Such an award, unprecedented in its scope and depth, underscores not only his personal achievements but also reflects the collective progress of UMTH under his stewardship.

As guests filled the ornate hall of the Presidential Villa, anticipation buzzed in the air. The decor, infused with symbols of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, echoed the significance of the event. Among those present were notable figures from various sectors, including former board chairman at UMTH, Hadi Ukashatu Gumel; CMAC Prof. Modu Baba Kagu; DCMAC Clinicals Prof. Buba Faruq; PA to the CMD Dahiru Hammawa; Head of ICT Ismail Hashim; Engr. Maaji Shettima; and Mr. Peter, representative of Health in the Box. Their presence highlighted the collaborative efforts that characterize Prof. Ahidjo’s leadership style—a leadership that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and innovation.

Prof. Ahidjo’s journey to this prestigious award is marked by a robust track record that distinguishes him as a goal getter. Since assuming the role of CMD at UMTH, he has championed numerous initiatives aimed at transforming the hospital into a beacon of excellence in healthcare delivery. His foresight in integrating technology into the healthcare process has not only streamlined operations but also improved patient outcomes significantly. Under his guidance, UMTH has embraced digital transformation, facilitating telemedicine services, electronic health records, and comprehensive data management systems—all pivotal in the ongoing evolution of healthcare in Nigeria.

The Distinguished Govtech Trailblazer award acknowledges those who have made substantial contributions to government technology advancements and public service reforms. Prof. Ahidjo’s tenure exemplifies this principle, as he led initiatives that have enhanced the efficiency of healthcare services across the region. For instance, his collaboration with local tech firms to develop the Health in the Box initiative embodies innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. This program leverages technology to provide remote health services, bridging the gap between urban healthcare facilities and rural communities, thereby ensuring equitable access to essential medical resources.

The award ceremony itself was a reflection of commendable partnerships forged between government institutions and private entities, designed to uplift public service through technological advancements. As Prof. Ahidjo, represented by the former chairman of the board, ascended the stage to accept the award, there was a palpable sense of pride among attendees, particularly those from UMTH who had witnessed firsthand the relentless efforts of their chief medical director.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ahidjo expressed gratitude not only for the recognition but also for the collective effort of his team. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the hospital staff, whom he described as the backbone of UMTH’s successes. His emphasis on teamwork resonated throughout the audience, reaffirming the notion that individual accolades are often the results of cooperative endeavors. He further dedicated the award to his colleagues, emphasizing that the honor is reflective of the strides made by the entire institution.

The presence of key figures like DCMAC Clinicals Prof. Buba Faruq and Head of ICT Ismail Hashim underscored the breadth of support for Prof. Ahidjo’s vision. They encapsulated the sentiment that the award serves not just as recognition for past accomplishments but as a call to action for continued innovation and excellence in the face of ever-evolving healthcare challenges.

The event showcased a tapestry of emotions—pride, enthusiasm, and an invigorated sense of purpose. Attendees were treated to a series of presentations highlighting UMTH’s recent advancements, notably the implementation of smart technology in patient management and the establishment of a state-of-the-art emergency response center. These developments were evidence of how visionary leadership can steer a traditional healthcare system toward modernization.

Furthermore, the award also sparked discussions among stakeholders about the future of healthcare in Nigeria. Attendees, including representatives from government agencies and health technology firms, engaged in dialogue about opportunities for collaboration and investment in health tech. The consensus was clear: as Nigeria faces increasing healthcare demands and challenges, embracing technology is not merely beneficial; it is imperative.

The culmination of the event was a networking session where ideas flowed freely, fostering a spirit of collaboration that promises to enhance the landscape of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Prof. Ahidjo’s influence extends beyond UMTH, as his leadership and vision inspire peers and upcoming healthcare professionals to strive for excellence in service delivery.

His recognition as a Govtech Trailblazer enriches the narrative of health reform in Nigeria, illustrating the pivotal role of innovative governance in public health. Prof. Ahidjo stands as a beacon for aspiring leaders, showcasing that with resilience, foresight, and collaboration, transformative change is attainable.

The Distinguished Govtech Trailblazer award conferred upon Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo not only celebrates his exemplary service but also symbolizes a broader movement towards modernization and efficiency within Nigeria’s healthcare system. As UMTH continues to flourish under his guidance, it is poised to lead by example, proving that strategic leadership and technology integration can radically enhance the quality of public healthcare services. The future appears bright, promising further advancements and recognition for the institution and its steadfast chief medical director, Prof. Ahidjo, who wears this new cap with unparalleled dignity and commitment to progress.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
UMTH: Another Cap for the Chief Medical Director: Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo’s Distinguished Govtech Trailblazer Award
Health
UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.

UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.
By: Dr. James Bwala
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has once again demonstrated exceptional commitment to healthcare excellence by winning the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award for the second time. This accolade underscores UMTH’s sustained efforts in providing high-quality medical services, advancing clinical research, and fostering an environment conducive to both patient care and academic development. Such recognition not only highlights the institution’s leadership within Nigeria’s healthcare sector but also reflects its pivotal role in addressing complex health challenges in the region.
This is a big congratulations to the CMD, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, and his management team for another historic achievement. Winning this award consecutively signifies UMTH’s ability to maintain superior standards amidst evolving healthcare demands. The hospital’s integration of innovative treatment protocols and community-oriented outreach programs exemplifies best practices that contribute significantly to public health outcomes. As a teaching hospital, UMTH also plays a critical role in training future healthcare professionals, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of skilled practitioners dedicated to improving national health indices.

UMTH’s consecutive recognition as the top public tertiary healthcare facility reaffirms its status as a beacon of medical excellence and educational prowess in Nigeria. Maintaining such standards is essential for driving progress within the country’s healthcare infrastructure and enhancing patient care quality on a broader scale. UMTH’s strategic partnerships with global health organizations have facilitated the exchange of knowledge and resources, further enhancing its capacity to deliver cutting-edge healthcare solutions. This collaborative approach not only strengthens UMTH’s operational capabilities but also positions it as a model for other institutions aiming to elevate healthcare standards across the continent.
The hospital’s commitment to research and development has led to groundbreaking advancements in medical science, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation and education. In addition, UMTH’s emphasis on patient-centered care has fostered an environment where individuals feel valued and heard. This patient-centered approach, combined with their ongoing commitment to excellence, underscores UMTH’s role as a pivotal institution in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Africa.

The hospital’s investment in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure has also played a vital role in its ability to provide high-quality care and respond effectively to the evolving needs of the community. This dedication to leveraging advanced medical technologies and maintaining a patient-first philosophy has undoubtedly contributed to UMTH’s recognition at the national level, securing its place as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare sector.
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Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the CMD, has printed his foot on the sand of history as UMTH’s success story. This success story serves as a testament to the power of strategic vision and dedicated leadership in transforming healthcare services for better societal impact. This achievement not only highlights the hospital’s ongoing pursuit of healthcare excellence but also serves as an inspiring model for other institutions aiming to elevate their standards of care and operational efficiency.
The award not only acknowledges the exceptional service delivery and innovative practices at UMTH but also underscores the hospital’s role in setting a benchmark for healthcare quality and patient satisfaction across Nigeria. This recognition is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and its ability to adapt to the evolving challenges in the healthcare sector. This accolade not only highlights their exceptional service delivery but also reinforces their position as a leader in medical innovation and education within the region.
This commendation reflects UMTH’s unwavering dedication to nurturing future healthcare leaders through robust educational programs and cutting-edge research initiatives. UMTH’s dedication to fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation has enabled it to remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation. The recognition further solidifies UMTH’s reputation as a pillar of healthcare excellence. The hospital’s strategic focus on integrating advanced technology with patient-centered care has been pivotal in achieving these remarkable milestones.
UMTH’s proactive approach in collaborating with international health organizations has also played a significant role in enhancing its service delivery and research capabilities. This collaborative effort not only enhances their clinical practices but also ensures that the hospital remains at the cutting edge of medical advancements and global health standards. This recognition is not only a testament to UMTH’s achievements but also a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in public healthcare.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.
Health
UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after

UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after
….CMD calls for philanthropic support to enable the hospital save more lives from CKD
By: Sam Kayode
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has called on well-meaning individuals to sponsor kidney transplant against chronic kidney diseases (CKD)in the institution.
Professor Ahidjo made the appeal recently in a news conference in Maiduguri while announcing the successful transplant of kidneys to two patients in the hospital.
Speaking during the occasion at the UMTH Conference Hall, CMD, Professor Ahidjo, described the procedure as a landmark success attributable to the hospital’s preparedness, the support of management and the goodwill of an anonymous philanthropist who paid for the consumables.
He said that since kidney failure has become a serious challenge in the north east of Nigeria especially Borno, it is high time well meaning individuals who share in our common humanity support more transplants by bringing in their resources to bear so that more victims of CKD can continue to enjoy prolonged life from available transplants.

Ahidjo hinted that five million naira was paid by an anonymous donor for each of the patients who got a new kidney in the recent operation and that to him is his expectations towards this challenge because a transplant ordinarily costs about N13.5m to execute successfully in contemporary Nigeria.
The CMD noted that kidney challenges will no longer be a death sentence if there is a pool of consumables to support each operation which would be done virtually free by the UMTH medical team as a way of lessening the prevalence burden in the state.

Responding to questions by reporters the CMD added that the hospital is ready to conduct free operations for the next 20 patients who desire new kidneys adding that the only challenge for such operations is ‘consumables” but once that is on ground the rest would be history.
” As an institution, we are ready for the next 20 patients because we are footing the bill of all the technical details but the consumables are quite expensive. This is why I am appealing for sponsorship of more patients at least to the level of being stabilized because the bulk of the charges we make are for the consumables and these are subject to a revolving fund to ensure that others on the waiting list get the same quality service.
” Donors should come out and support this cause as quickly as possible because so many patients have end stage kidney problems but they do not have the resources to get the care they need. And this is why we need the support of fellow Nigerians out there to keep them alive.” Said the CMD.

The UMTH he maintained has successfully reinforced its reputation by conducting the cheapest kidney transplants after 15 years indicative of the fact that it is now the leading renal treatment center in Nigeria today.
Roll call of successful transplant
Several specialists involved in the operation led by neurologist Dr. Hassan Gogo and the surgical team carried out the transplants and they include, Professors Umate, the lead Nephrologist, Sani Alhassan a Surgeon, lbrahim Gaidam, Fela Usman, and Dr Hassan Digo all of them Urologists.
Team of Anesthetics include: Ahmed Alhaji, Doctors’ kullma Zakana, Hadiza Bako, Bukar Ahmad, Aisami mustapha, Buhani Ghidie and Atiku.
Nephrology Nurses include, Yagana kingi, Maryam Alhassan, Babagana Gubio, Yagana Mohammed and Abubakar.

Perioperative nurses present in the operation were, Babagana Korede, Kamsulum Umate, Christiana Michael, Kolo Bulama, Bola Ayeni, Amina Tamus and Zainab Mohammed.
Technicians include: Abubakar Umar, Shettima Maryam and Abdullahi lawan while two porters Aisha Idi and Fah ibrahiin were among the team that
conducted the Surgery
Professor Mohammed Gadam, Dr. Ahmed Head of the Anaesthesia Unit Dr. Zanna, and Professor Sani Alhaji Hassan. Prof Haruna Ngaddah Consultant Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine was the Lab team lead.
“This is not the first time UMTH has performed a kidney transplant. Our first was in August 2010. So you can see that with improved capacity and technology, we’ve resumed the procedures in full and ready to do many more,” said Prof. Ahidjo.
UMTH kidney centre
Ahidjo an interventional radiologist hinted that the UMTH hosts the largest kidney centre in Nigeria, with an 85 bed capacity and four operating theatres equipped with advanced surgical equipment like endoscopic cameras, and modern lighting systems.
Narrating further the latest developments in the kidney centre, Prof Ahidjo, stated that the hospital now has over 20 functional dialysis machines and an “independent renal laboratory centre” making it easy for patients to have what they need as at when due and reducing the burden of red tape of the main hospital laboratory.
He commended the Federal Government for subsidizing kidney dialysis, adding that UMTH now offers dialysis for just twelve thousand Naira per session roughly eight United States dollars making it one of the cheapest rate in the country.

“In Nigeria and other parts of the world, dialysis cost as much as $1,000 per session but the support we receive makes this possible as we meet the needs of the people of the sub region.
“The cost of the service doesn’t even cover maintenance of the machines, but we are determined to keep our services accessible to the public,” he said.
The CMD commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for initiating the subsidized kidney dialysis program in Borno and reaffirmed that UMTH will continue to serve humanity in this manner.
Borno state sponsored Kidney research
The CMD lauded Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state for providing a special grant of ₦50 million to the hospital for onward investigation of causes of Kidney failures in Borno State.
The research has been going on simultaneously but even though the results have not been officially released, the research on kidney failure in Borno State indicates a significant burden of CKD with hypertension and glomerulonephritis being major contributing factors.
Checks on a source who commented about the ongoing study of the prevalence of CKD in Maiduguri hinted
that the researchers found out that a substantial percentage of patients on dialysis so far had CKD of unknown cause.
Prof. Ahidjo while responding to a question on CKD however hinted that diabetes and hypertension were equally major contributors to kidney malfunctions in the region.
He maintained that samples already taken are being analyzed to determine specific regional causes, while urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity to reduce risks.
Prevalence of high CKD has been noticed specifically in central and southern Borno but the research is yet to establish if it has anything to do with the water consumed or the general lifestyle of the residents of this region of the state.
UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after
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