Ondo govt hands over UNIMED Teaching Hospital to FG

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Government on Thursday officially transferred the Akure complex of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Teaching Hospital to the Federal Government.

The facility, now renamed the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), will serve as a training, research and medical service centre for students and the public. With the transfer, UNIMED will now operate only two teaching hospital complexes located within Ondo City.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the decision was a strategic step to strengthen medical education and healthcare delivery in the country.

“The decision to hand over this hospital is rooted in a clear and strategic vision to elevate the standard of healthcare for every citizen of Ondo State and the country as a whole.

“By handing over this asset to the Federal Government of Nigeria, we are effectively unlocking a stream of superior funding, advanced equipment procurement, specialised personnel recruitment and robust inclusion in national and international research networks,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare system and assured staff of a smooth transition, expressing optimism that the institution would become a globally recognised centre of excellence.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, commended the collaboration that led to the transfer, noting that the new federal facility would transform healthcare training and service delivery in the state.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, lauded both governments for the seamless handover and pledged the host community’s full support for the success of FUTA Teaching Hospital.