By Sam Kayode
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, has urged his colleagues in the medical sector to raise their standards of excellence as a means of curbing the growing trend of medical tourism in Nigeria.
Speaking as a guest at a dinner held in honour of Professor Ibrahim Wakawa, the former CMD of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) Maiduguri, Professor Ahidjo emphasized that the international reputation of Nigerian doctors for excellence must be replicated within the country to dissuade citizens from seeking treatment abroad.
According to Ahidjo, fostering excellence across all areas of the medical field is critical to driving meaningful growth and restoring public confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system. “When we embed excellence at every level, those who have lost faith in our medical institutions will begin to reconsider and seek treatment locally,” he said.
He commended Professor Wakawa for his transformational leadership at FNPH, stating: “He has truly elevated the hospital from what he inherited to what it is today.”
Highlighting Wakawa’s professionalism, Ahidjo recalled his tenure as a member of the executive committee of the Committee of CMDs. “He was always driven by a strong belief in professionalism, so it’s no surprise he achieved such distinction in his career,” he added.
The UMTH CMD further encouraged his peers to consistently strive for excellence, noting that their individual reputations often shape public perceptions of the profession. He emphasized the importance of focusing on positive contributions rather than always seeking flaws in others.
Ahidjo also praised the 72 CMDs who attended the 110th session of their committee in Maiduguri, despite lingering concerns over security due to insurgency in the region. “We are honored to have you in our city at a time like this. Your presence here shows courage and trust,” he said.
Detailing Professor Wakawa’s achievements, Ahidjo noted that under his leadership, FNPH underwent a remarkable transformation. “He didn’t just stop at infrastructure,” he said. “He also prioritized human resource development — producing over ten consultants and four PhD nurses during his tenure, with two psychologists currently pursuing their PhDs.”
The Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, also lauded Professor Wakawa for his outstanding service and achievements at FNPH. He assured the visiting CMDs that Borno State is presently experiencing relative peace and that the hospitality they received reflects the genuine warmth of the state’s residents.
In his response, Professor Wakawa expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues for honoring him at the dinner, which was held at the new Bola Ahmed Tinubu IT Complex in UMTH. He specifically acknowledged Professor Ahidjo’s guidance during his nine-year tenure as CMD of FNPH.
However, Wakawa offered a candid reflection on the challenges of institutional reform. “Often, those who try to correct the system are seen as disrupting the status quo,” he remarked. “There are many flaws in our medical sector, but with determination and courage, they can be addressed.”
He lamented the resistance reformers often face, saying, “Unfortunately, that’s how the system works. There’s always opposition to doing the right thing, which blurs the lines between right and wrong.”
Professor Ibrahim Wakawa, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, recently completed his two terms as CMD of the FNPH in Maiduguri. His academic and research interests include HIV psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and epilepsy.
