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The Management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) has issued a detailed press release addressing public concerns and student protests regarding the accreditation of its Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) programme.
In the statement dated 19 May 2026, the university acknowledged the frustrations of medical students while emphasising that the challenges predate the current administration led by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Aba Uba, who assumed office on 13 May 2025.
The management noted that for four years prior to the current leadership, the MBBS programme received no Resource Verification or Advisory Visit from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Statutory fees were unpaid, and there was no meaningful engagement with the regulatory body, leading to prolonged uncertainty for pioneer students admitted in 2020 and 2021.
Highlighting achievements within twelve months, the university stated that it promptly paid all statutory accreditation fees and commenced formal engagement with MDCN. A comprehensive gap analysis was conducted, followed by a remediation plan. Key infrastructural interventions include:
– Revival of the abandoned Multi-User Laboratory project, now nearing completion.
– Expansion of the Anatomy Laboratory and upgrade of the Human Physiology Laboratory.
– Ongoing construction of the Autopsy Centre and comprehensive rehabilitation of the morgue.
– Procurement of a bus for the Department of Community Medicine.
– Securing suitable hostel accommodation near the Teaching Hospital.
– Targeted staff recruitment and recall of pioneer students previously sent home.
The statement further revealed that the MDCN accreditation visit to FUHSO is officially scheduled for 21 May 2026.
The university management expressed understanding of the students’ concerns, welcomed public scrutiny, and appealed for accurate narratives based on facts. It reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the inherited crisis and ensuring the success of the medical programme.
The full press release was signed by Mr. Sunday A. Igah, Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
