We Are Setting the Pace for the Future — FUHSA VC

By Umar Usman Duguri

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), Professor Bala Audu, says the young institution is already setting a strong foundation that will position it to compete favorably with other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists, Professor Audu highlighted the achievements recorded within the university’s first three years and the deliberate strategies adopted to fast-track its transformation from infancy to a fully mature institution.

According to him, FUHSA began operations “from ground zero” at its establishment, with virtually no infrastructure or facilities in place. However, through focused planning and purposeful leadership, the university has achieved remarkable progress.

He noted that FUHSA has secured full accreditation for its academic programmes, allowing hundreds of Nigerians to pursue careers in various medical and health-related fields.

Students’ welfare, he said, remains a top priority, with state-of-the-art learning facilities and modern accommodation located close to lecture halls to ease movement and improve academic participation.

“Our environment is always kept clean, which is why we hardly experience health challenges within our campus community,” he said.

“We also have a school clinic for first-aid attention and a teaching hospital less than a mile from the university, where our students actively participate in clinical activities.”

On staff welfare, Professor Audu said the university has performed creditably well, backing his claims with records presented to journalists. He stressed that FUHSA operates with strict adherence to fairness, discipline, and accountability.

“Staff who work hard are encouraged and supported. But anyone found guilty of actions that could tarnish the image of the institution faces appropriate sanctions,” he said.

He added that the allocation of staff quarters is done based on relevance and hierarchy to promote efficiency.

“For instance, priority is given to lecturers over non-academic staff, and resident staff over visiting staff. This is to ensure equity and enhance service delivery,” he explained.

Speaking on leadership appointments within the university, the VC emphasized that competence—not seniority—is now the guiding principle.

“In the Nursing Department, for example, the current Head of Department is not the most senior in qualification, but he is competent, committed, and hardworking.

His leadership has produced significant achievements, and that is what matters most for the growth of the students and the university,” the VC said.

He also defended the appointment of three medical professionals as Deputy Vice Chancellors, noting that the decision aligns with FUHSA’s mandate as a specialized medical university.

Similarly, he said the appointment of an adjunct staff member as dean in one faculty was a strategic move, especially because the individual had been part of the university’s foundation process and remains instrumental in developing its master plan.

Professor Audu commended the team of journalists for visiting the university to observe the structures and achievements recorded in less than four years.

The VC praised the harmonious relationship among staff, students, and management, describing it as a key ingredient in advancing the government’s vision for a world-class medical university.