FUAHSE Matriculates Second Batch Admission, pledges Healthcare Workforce Expansion

The Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu (FUAHSE) on Saturday matriculated its second batch of students, with Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Emaimo describing the institution as a key part of the federal government’s strategy to address Nigeria’s shortage of skilled healthcare professionals.

Speaking at the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony, Emaimo said FUAHSE was established on March 14, 2024, as a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s healthcare manpower development agenda.

The university, he noted, has grown into a center of academic excellence and professional innovation in just over two years.

“Today, we proudly matriculate the second batch of highly qualified and meritorious students across six faculties and twenty-eight academic programmes,” Emaimo told guests, students, and parents at the event.

The university emerged from the transformation of the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy into a multidisciplinary institution focused on advanced research, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and globally competitive healthcare education.

Emaimo said FUAHSE aligns with Tinubu’s role as African Union Champion for Human Resources for Health, which includes a commitment to train over 120,000 frontline healthcare workers nationwide within 16 months. 

He added that the federal government’s plan to double primary healthcare facilities from 8,800 to over 17,000 underscores the need for both infrastructure and trained personnel.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) approved 28 programmes across six faculties, including Healthcare Services, Dental Health, Rehabilitative Health, Healthcare Management and Leadership, Health Engineering and Technology, and Basic Medical Sciences. 

The Courses range from Nursing Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science to Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Biotechnology.

To support expansion, the university has completed a 1,000-seat auditorium, a modern library and ICT complex, and an administrative complex, with additional classroom blocks under construction.

Emaimo highlighted early national recognition for the young institution, noting that FUAHSE won the “7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate” for the South-East and South-South zones in 2024, organized by the National Orientation Agency. Winning students received scholarships in recognition of their performance.

Academic activities officially commenced on Feb. 14, 2025, during the university’s Founders’ Day celebration. The institution operates a dual-certification model, enabling graduates to receive both academic degrees and professional entrepreneurial certifications aimed at promoting self-reliance and job creation.

The vice chancellor stressed zero tolerance for indiscipline, cultism, examination malpractice, and other anti-social behavior, saying the university is committed to a culture of merit, diligence, and ethical conduct.

He thanked President Tinubu, the Ministers of Education and Health, and the Odezuluigbo III of Nike Kingdom, HRH Igwe Barr. Julius Nnaji, for their support. 

Emaimo also acknowledged staff, pioneer students, parents, and guardians for their role in the university’s growth.

“Our institutional commitment remains unwavering: to become Nigeria’s foremost center for healthcare manpower development, producing graduates distinguished both in character and in learning,” he said.