NUC and MDCN approvals open doors for medical education renaissance in Kogi State
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has recorded a landmark achievement in the state’s educational and healthcare sectors with the revival of the long-dormant Faculty of Medicine at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba. This milestone followed the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) approval of the MBBS program, swiftly complemented by full accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The development clears the path for PAAU to admit its pioneer set of 50 medical students in the 2025/2026 academic session beginning in October. The breakthrough is widely seen as a testament to Governor Ododo’s inclusive governance style and his resolve to expand opportunities in critical sectors without regard for tribal, political, or religious divides.
The call for intervention was championed by the Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), which, on August 11, 2025, appealed for the governor’s urgent action to revive the faculty that had been inactive for years due to accreditation setbacks. The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, found a responsive ally in Governor Ododo, who wasted no time in addressing the long-standing concerns.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, described the development as a victory not only for the university but also for the healthcare system in Kogi State. According to him, the reactivation of medical training at PAAU is a bold step that will strengthen the state’s capacity to produce homegrown doctors, reduce the burden of medical education outside the state, and ultimately improve access to quality healthcare for the people.
Observers note that this achievement reinforces the Ododo administration’s focus on human capital development through education and healthcare, sectors that directly shape the state’s long-term progress. By securing both NUC and MDCN approvals, the administration has restored confidence in the ability of PAAU to train medical professionals to global standards.
Governor Ododo’s swift response to the ICDA’s request has further amplified his reputation as a leader who listens, acts, and delivers across all divides. His administration’s policies, described as “development without borders,” have consistently emphasized inclusiveness, unity, and sustainability.
As PAAU prepares to welcome its first set of medical students in years, hopes are high that this bold intervention will not only reshape the future of healthcare delivery in Kogi State but also serve as a model for other states seeking innovative solutions to educational and health challenges.
With this accomplishment, Governor Ododo continues to cement his place among the most impactful leaders in Nigeria’s recent history, as citizens and stakeholders alike call for continuity of his visionary leadership to sustain the gains already made beyond 2027.
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