The Federal Government yesterday officially unveiled the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), which signifies the take off of the institution.
This followed the formal handover of the state-owned University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Akure Complex, to the federal authorities.
Speaking at the handover and unveiling ceremony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the development as “a landmark in Nigeria’s healthcare expansion,” pledging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would continue to invest in transforming the nation’s health system.
“President Tinubu is deeply committed to changing the health and social landscape of this country,” Pate declared. “He is doing that with focus, boldness, and determination — and this teaching hospital is another testament to that resolve.”
The Minister commended the Ondo State Government for its swift collaboration that made the handover seamless.
“When we reached out, there was no hesitation. Everything was smooth all around,” he said. “We want to sincerely thank Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his team for this exemplary cooperation. This is how federal and state governments should work — hand in hand to serve Nigerians better.”
Pate also acknowledged the contributions of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, for their support in making the project a reality.
“Your Majesty, I received your message, and I acknowledge your deep concern for your people. This institution will stand as proof of your commitment to Akure and the Southwest,” the Minister added.
He assured health workers of government’s full support during the transition process, saying the new federal status of the hospital would bring better welfare, training, and career growth.
“To all the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and trainees — you will be cherished, you will be built, and you will serve humanity with pride. This facility will train the next generation of health specialists who will serve across Nigeria and Africa.”
Aiyedatiwa: “A Transformative Beginning for Healthcare in Ondo”; Represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the handover as “a transformative beginning for healthcare in the state.”
“By handing over this asset to the Federal Government, we are unlocking a stream of superior funding, advanced equipment, and robust inclusion in national and international research networks,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa said the gesture aligns with his administration’s EASE policy thrust, designed to make quality healthcare accessible across the state.
“This partnership marks an advancement through cooperative federalism — where both state and federal governments work together to deliver life-changing services to the people,” he stated.
He assured staff of the hospital of a smooth and fair transition into federal service, adding that their rights and welfare would be protected.
CMD: IT’LL BE A WORLD CLASS TEACHING HOSPITAL
In his maiden speech, the Chief Medical Director of FUTA Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, expressed optimism that the new hospital would redefine healthcare delivery in Ondo State and beyond.
“We are not merely building a hospital; we are shaping a legacy,” Ojo said. “Our vision is to make FUTA Teaching Hospital a hub of advanced medical care, research, and training.”
The CMD, who was recently appointed by President Tinubu, promised massive infrastructural upgrades, modern diagnostic equipment, and the introduction of residency and fellowship programs to produce world-class specialists.
“Our motto, Excellence with Compassionate Care, puts patients at the heart of everything we do,” he stressed. “We will ensure that everyone feels respected, heard, and safe within our walls.”
In an address, Prof Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, the pioneer Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure expressed his readiness to make the institution one of the best in the world.
Ojo said, “Before my appointment by the President, His Excellency Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu on March 5m 2025 I was the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the Federal University of Technology, (FUTA). I was also a professor of pathology at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) College of Health Sciences, Ile-Ife, since 2001 as well as a Consultant Histopathologist at the affiliated Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) .
“It’s indeed a great honour and privilege to serve as the pioneer CMD of the FUTA Teaching Hospital. I am conscious that expectations are high and together with my management team, we shall do our ultimate to ensure that the hospital, within the shortest possible time, becomes a hub of excellent healthcare delivery both in this state and the country at large. Fortunately, we are taking off on a good footing.
“Thanks to the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state Specialist Hospital is serving as our take-off site. We have commenced work towards its transformation into a tertiary hospital that we have been mandated to birth.
“This upgrade would not just be a change; it is going to be a total overhaul of purpose, structure and standards of service delivery. It is a development that will redefine healthcare not just for Ondo State, but for the entire Southwest region and beyond.
“We are at the cusp of a new dawn for healthcare in this state and beyond.
The overweening purpose of the Futa Teaching Hospital is to provide advanced medical care locally. For years, many residents of Akure, and much of Ondo State have had to travel to Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja, or even overseas to access specialized medical services.
“This will change now as our services will include emergency and life-saving intensive care, cardiology interventions, cancer treatments, neurosurgery, kidney dialysis and augmentation care. While we acknowledge the services of existing institutions like the Federal Medical Centre, Owo and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, there’s however, still a dearth of specialised medical care in Akure, the seat of the Ondo State Government!
“Thus, with the transformation of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure into a federal tertiary institution, these services will become available right here in Akure, the most population- dense area of Ondo State. The new Futa Teaching Hospital will focus on advanced diagnostics and sub-specialist care and this will reduce the burden of travel and related expenses on patients and their families.
Deji of Akure: “A Gift of Hope for Our People”
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, thanked President Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as “a gift of hope and healing to the people of Akure.”
“We are grateful to the President for this gesture and to our Governor for making it happen,” the monarch said. “This hospital will save countless lives and bring medical excellence closer to our people.”
The handover marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Ondo State and Federal Governments, transforming the Akure complex into a federal tertiary medical and research institution. The new teaching hospital is expected to serve as a centre for clinical excellence, innovation, and medical training in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
