FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES UNVEILS 27 ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Read Time:2 Minute, 50 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, John Emaimo, has announced the introduction of 27 academic programmes, including Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Software Engineering, as part of efforts to position the institution as a hub for healthcare innovation and technology.
Emaimo made this known on Friday during a media briefing and tour of facilities at the university campus in Enugu ahead of the institution’s second matriculation ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
According to the vice-chancellor, the programmes received approval from the National Universities Commission after the institution was upgraded from the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy to a specialised university in 2023.
READ MORE…
He explained that the NUC initially approved 16 foundational programmes covering Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Public Health, Allied Sciences, Engineering and Technology.
Among the approved courses are Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Dental Technology, Physiotherapy, Public Health and Biomedical Engineering.
The university later secured approval for 11 additional programmes, including Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering.
Emaimo stated that the institution was created to help address shortages of skilled personnel in Nigeria’s healthcare sector through specialised education in allied health sciences.
“FUAHSE is uniquely positioned as a specialised institution focused on producing healthcare professionals who are not only academically competent but also practically prepared to meet the changing demands of Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he said.
He added that the university’s emphasis on allied health sciences would help close critical gaps in the country’s healthcare workforce through relevant and targeted academic training.
The vice-chancellor also highlighted the institution’s commitment to practical learning, noting that students would receive hands-on training to ease their transition into professional healthcare practice.
He further revealed that the university was investing in infrastructure projects, including a 1,000-seat auditorium, a modern library and a new ICT complex aimed at promoting academic excellence and research development.
“These facilities are intended to create a conducive environment for learning and strengthen research and innovation,” he stated.
Also speaking at the briefing, former Provost of the institution, Chris Emaimo, reflected on the difficulties encountered during the transition from a diploma-awarding college to a full-fledged university.
He explained that the institution originally operated only two programmes — Dental Technology and Dental Therapy — before seeking expansion through the National Board for Technical Education.
According to him, restrictions under the polytechnic framework initially limited the institution to a maximum of four programmes.
He noted that Dental Nursing and Biomedical Engineering were later introduced to address identified gaps in healthcare delivery and medical equipment maintenance.
“We discovered there was no specialised dental nursing programme anywhere in Africa. Many dental clinics in Nigeria shut operations by 4 p.m. because there are no specialised nurses available to care for patients after procedures,” he said.
Chris Emaimo also revealed that the institution experienced delays in obtaining approvals and National Youth Service Corps mobilisation for pioneer graduates due to overlapping requirements involving the NBTE, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the NUC.
Despite the challenges, he said the university had continued engaging the relevant regulatory agencies to resolve issues affecting graduates.
The university management reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through the training of highly skilled professionals.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0