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For the first time in its existence, the Institute of Health and Technology at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, is holding a four-day Student Health Week, running from November 17 to 20, 2025. What started as an idea to sharpen the health consciousness of future healthcare providers has quickly turned into one of the most engaging and educative events on the hospital’s calendar.
The colourful opening ceremony took place at the hospital cafeteria, with the Provost, Dr. James Ihongo, declaring the week open and expressing profound gratitude to the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande Terungwa, for approving funds and giving full backing to the maiden edition. Dr. Ihongo reminded students that knowledge without a passion for healthy living is incomplete, urging them to participate actively in every segment of the programme.
And participate they did.
Day one featured powerful, practical presentations that left no one in doubt about the depth of expertise within the institute. Prof. Isaac Anongu, a Consultant Radiologist, delivered an eye-opening paper on Buruli Ulcer, describing the mycobacterium-induced disease first discovered by Sir Albert Cook in 1897, its mode of transmission through contaminated water and insect vectors, and the simple preventive steps that can keep entire communities safe.
Pharm. Walter M. Iorjiim tackled the ever-present danger of rabies, stressing the importance of regular animal vaccination and immediate medical action after bites, while Dr. Livinus Eguda, Dr. Dooshima Hanior, and Mrs. Elizabeth Akpehe took turns enlightening participants on measles and rubella vaccination, personal hygiene, and the silent threat of Hepatitis B.
Before the academic sessions, the institute recognised excellence by presenting awards to Prof. Anongu, Pharm. Iorjiim, and Dr. Becky Erdoo (represented by Dooshima Sefa) for their immense contributions to its growth.
As the week continues, students still have health outreach programmes, debates, quiz competitions, paper presentations, and sporting activities to look forward to. Already, the excitement is palpable; young men and women who will soon be on the frontlines of healthcare delivery in Benue and beyond are not just learning theory; they are internalising the lifestyle that will make them credible ambassadors of health.
In his closing remarks on the opening day, the Registrar, Mr. James Yol, commended management for the support and charged students to take the knowledge beyond the classroom walls and into their hostels, families, and communities.
With this maiden Health Week, the BSUTH Institute of Health and Technology has set a new standard, proving once again that training world-class health professionals begins with teaching them, first, how to keep themselves and their society healthy.
