Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu has Commissioned the North-West University Teaching Hospital founded by Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
He commended Sen. Wamakko for the initiative, describing it as “a golden legacy that will forever be remembered and cherished by the people of the state.”
He said the establishment of the hospital marks a significant milestone in ensuring that medical students acquire the requisite practical knowledge to become competent and professional Medical Doctors.
“This hospital will serve as a centre of excellence for clinical care, medical education, and research.
“It is designed to provide world-class services, equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities that will cater to both local and regional health needs,” he said.
The Governor also urged the management and staff of the institution to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassion in the service of humanity.
On his administration’s efforts to improve the health sector,
Gov. Aliyu announced that the State Government has secured approval from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) to commence an internship training programme for all graduates in the field of Radiography.
He explained that, with this approval, all Radiography graduates sponsored by the state will now undergo their mandatory one-year internship at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
The Governor further highlighted key efforts of his administration in strengthening the state’s health sector across the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
These include the provision of basic and essential equipment and instruments in hospitals;
Others are the training of indigenous Doctors to serve in the state, 122 of whom had completed their studies and received automatic employment.
They also include automatic employment and deployment of 1,675 Nurses and Midwives across health facilities statewide.
They also include the rnactment of a compulsory two-year rural posting for all health professionals sponsored by the state government.
Gov. Aliyu emphasized that ensuring quality healthcare services is one of the 9-point Smart Innovative Agenda, which is why the health sector received the second-largest allocation in the 2025 state budget.
“I want to use this medium to assure the good people of Sokoto State of our firm commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all, irrespective of where they live,” the Governor added.
In his remarks, the founder of North-West University, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko said the establishment of the teaching hospital marks a new chapter in healthcare delivery, medical education, and research in Sokoto, the North-West, and Nigeria at large.
He explained that the hospital was established to complement the University’s plan to mount medical and health-related programmes such as MBBS, Nursing, Radiography, and other allied Health Sciences which require a teaching hospital for practical experience.
According to Sen. Wamakko, the hospital will provide tertiary healthcare services and offer specialized, patient-centred, and accessible medical care.
He said it is equipped with modern facilities, including advanced diagnostic imaging, state-of-the-art surgical suites, and intensive care units capable of managing complex medical conditions that previously required patients to travel long distances.
“Our aim is to bring world-class healthcare to the doorsteps of our people while providing a centre for research to address the unique health challenges of our region,” he stated.
Sen. Wamakko also commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his visionary leadership and transformational achievements within a short period in office.
“The exceptional performances of my son, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, deserve total support in all ramifications.
” That was part of the wisdom behind establishing this hospital,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, noted that in just three years of existence, the University had recorded rapid growth, culminating in the National Universities Commission (NUC) granting it a full operational licence.
He said the NUC had also approved the establishment of the University’s College of Health Sciences, which offers courses including Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), Radiography and Medical Imaging, Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), Public Health (B.Sc), and Environmental Health (B.Sc).
“This is a rare opportunity that many universities aspire to achieve,” Prof. Bunza stated.
He added that the teaching hospital will provide both staff and students with hands-on clinical experience, exposure to complex medical cases, and opportunities for professional development.
Prof. Bunza assured Sen. Wamakko of the University’s readiness to support the hospital in achieving its tripartite mandate of teaching, service, and research, including collaborations on academic programmes and joint research initiatives with national and international institutions.
He also appreciated Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, whom he described as the “architect of the New Sokoto”, for his exceptional leadership and continued support to the North-West University.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) Chairman, Prof. Taofeek, represented by Dr. Lawal Bello, assured the founder that the management and staff of the hospital remain committed to excellence and professionalism.
He noted that the new facility will provide the medical students with the necessary clinical training to manage complex health challenges effectively.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by dignitaries from various sectors of society.