The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), pledging sustained investment in infrastructure, research, staff development and institutional capacity as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this during the maiden convocation ceremony of the University, where he highlighted ongoing government interventions and planned investments aimed at positioning the institution as a centre of excellence in health sciences.
Represented by the Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund Architect Sonny S.T. Echono, FNIA, the President, who is the Visitor to the University, said the Federal Government had provided an initial intervention of ₦8 billion through the TETFund to support the institution’s take-off, describing the emergence of its pioneer graduates as evidence of the progress recorded since its establishment.
He disclosed that the 2026 national budget made provision for strengthening FUHSA’s physical and operational capacity, including road infrastructure, lecture halls, laboratories and utility vehicles, alongside regular overhead allocations to support the day-to-day running of the institution.
President Tinubu assured the University of continued support through TETFund’s normal and special interventions, particularly in infrastructure provision, research facilities and staff development.
He emphasised that the Federal Government’s investment in education goes beyond physical infrastructure, noting that research and innovation remain essential to national development and the delivery of effective healthcare services.
According to him, the Federal Government, through TETFund, provided ₦10 billion for the National Research Fund in 2026, urging FUHSA and other universities to take advantage of the opportunity to undertake research that addresses Nigeria’s pressing health challenges.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and professional development of university personnel, recognising the contributions of lecturers, researchers, administrators, technologists and other staff to the success of the education system.
He said measures had also been taken to strengthen university autonomy and operational efficiency, including reforms to recruitment procedures and the personnel and payroll management system, to enable institutions to respond more effectively to their staffing needs.
On access to higher education, President Tinubu said the government remained committed to ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent qualified Nigerians from pursuing university education.
He disclosed that 1,798 FUHSA students had secured support from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session, representing 43 per cent of the University's student population.
He described the intervention as an investment in young Nigerians and a demonstration of the administration’s determination to expand access to higher education, promote social mobility and ensure that financial circumstances do not determine students’ educational prospects.
The President further commended FUHSA for establishing collaborations with internationally recognised institutions, including the University of Miami, Boston University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, as well as partnerships with federal and state government institutions within Nigeria.
He urged the University’s management to translate these partnerships into measurable outcomes in teaching, research, technology transfer, staff and student development, and healthcare delivery.
President Tinubu noted that the establishment of FUHSA was part of the Federal Government’s response to gaps exposed in the health sector by the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that a strong health system requires not only hospitals and medical equipment but also highly trained professionals, research capacity and institutions capable of developing solutions to emerging challenges.
Congratulating the University’s pioneer graduands, the President described their graduation as a significant milestone in the development of the institution and the country’s health workforce.
He said the 50 graduands had a special responsibility to contribute to the growth of the University and the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.
The President commended the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students for their dedication in bringing the institution to this historic milestone, urging them to sustain the progress recorded and build a university known for quality teaching, relevant research and competent graduates.
He expressed confidence that FUHSA would continue to grow into a centre of excellence in health education, research and innovation, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s health workforce and national development.
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