The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, has reaffirmed the University's commitment to addressing manpower needs in the College of Health Sciences and other faculties in the institution.
Prof. Umar gave the assurance when he received the executive members of the Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Birnin Kebbi Chapter, during a courtesy visit to the University on Tuesday, July 7.
He assured that Management is taking concrete steps to resolve outstanding staff-related demands and strengthen academic capacity across the institution.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor described the Federal Teaching Hospital as the University's "second home," noting that with the hospital now serving as FUBK's teaching hospital campus, both institutions share a common responsibility of producing competent healthcare professionals.
He stressed the need to sustain the cordial relationship and deepen collaboration in medical education, research and specialist healthcare delivery.
Prof. Umar also recalled the recent promotion of five medical academics to the rank of Associate Professor, including the Chief Medical Director of the hospital. He described the achievement as a significant milestone in the University's pursuit of academic excellence.
"FUBK is proud to present these newly promoted medical doctors to the world as its new Associate Professors," he said, adding that the promotions underscore the University's commitment to recognising merit, rewarding excellence and strengthening its academic workforce.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the University's Registry and Bursary Departments were already working to address other outstanding demands affecting medical academics.
He assured the delegation that Management would continue to engage relevant stakeholders in resolving issues requiring administrative and policy interventions.
Earlier, the Chairman of MDCAN, FTH Birnin Kebbi Chapter, Dr. Isa Abdulfattah, commended the University's commitment to developing the College of Health Sciences.
He called for sustained efforts to address manpower shortages and other challenges affecting the College and the teaching hospital.
Dr. Abdulfattah also advocated the recognition of the equivalence of Clinical Fellowship and PhD qualifications in line with established academic and professional standards.
According to him, the measure would further strengthen medical education, academic progression and professional development within the University.
FUBK Bulletin reports that the meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in medical education, clinical training, research and healthcare service delivery for the benefit of the University and Kebbi State in general.