By Chinaza Osigwe
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the institution into one of Nigeria’s leading healthcare facilities by 2030, highlighting significant achievements in infrastructure development, staff recruitment, equipment acquisition, and service delivery.The commitment was reiterated during the hospital’s 2026 Town Hall Meeting held on June 23 under the theme, “Engaging the NAUTH Community: A Strategic Dialogue Between the Governing Board, Management and Internal Stakeholders.”
The event brought together members of the Governing Board, management staff, union leaders, heads of departments, and other stakeholders to review progress and discuss the hospital’s future direction.Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, described the visit of the Chairman of the Governing Board, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, as symbolic and timely, coming at a period of sustained growth and renewed confidence within the institution.Prof. Ugboaja said the hospital’s transformation was driven by visionary leadership, staff dedication, and a clear roadmap aimed at positioning NAUTH among Nigeria’s top three tertiary healthcare institutions by 2030, with the long-term goal of becoming the nation’s foremost healthcare facility.
Reflecting on his experience, Hon. Dalori said he was initially uncertain about the scale of the assignment when appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, he noted that his first visit to the hospital changed his perception after witnessing the quality of infrastructure, ongoing projects, and the commitment of the workforce.He commended the leadership of Prof. Ugboaja and the management team for their strategic vision and dedication to institutional growth.According to the board chairman, major milestones recorded under the hospital’s Vision 2030 agenda include the completion of critical infrastructure projects, recruitment of additional personnel, procurement of modern medical equipment, and continuous staff development programmes.He noted that these interventions have significantly improved the hospital’s operational capacity and the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.Hon. Dalori also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting staff welfare and creating an enabling environment for excellence.He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting various projects within the hospital and commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for facilitating the construction of two access roads leading to the hospital’s permanent site.
The board chairman further acknowledged the contributions of corporate organisations and individuals supporting the institution’s development efforts, particularly the donation of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.Stakeholders who spoke during the event, including Barr. Emeka Stephen Okafor, Prof. Ofiaeli, Senator Emma Anosike, and Prof. Edwin Chukwuma, commended the hospital’s leadership for its commitment to healthcare development.They observed that the visible improvements across the institution have boosted staff morale, strengthened stakeholder confidence, and positioned NAUTH as a model for healthcare advancement in Nigeria.The meeting concluded with renewed optimism among stakeholders, who expressed confidence that the hospital is on course to achieving its Vision 2030 objectives and consolidating its status as a leading healthcare institution in the country.
