AL-HAU24news

By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku, Lafia

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu, has revealed that the hospital is on the verge of being upgraded to a Teaching Hospital, with all necessary paperwork already completed and awaiting final approval from the federal government.

Dr. Adamu disclosed this while addressing journalists shortly after declaring open the First Hybrid Research Capacity Development Workshop, held at the FMC Keffi Conference Hall.

The workshop, themed “The Role of Health Services Research in Evidence-Based Decision and Policy Making for Better Health Outcomes,” brought together healthcare professionals, academics, and policymakers.

“We’ve made significant progress. At Nasarawa State University, Keffi, we are finalizing proposals to convert FMC Keffi into a Teaching Hospital for the training of their medical students,” Dr. Adamu said.

He further stated that he chairs the Steering Committee responsible for implementing the university’s medical program and confirmed that the College of Medicine has already been established.

“What remains is just the administrative green light. Hopefully, the next set of medical students will be admitted in the upcoming JAMB session.

FMC Keffi already has the manpower and facilities to operate as a Teaching Hospital. The only missing component is the presence of medical students,” he added.

Building Research Capacity for Better Health Outcomes

The workshop, which marks a strategic step in enhancing the institution’s academic and research profile, is tailored to equip staff and students with tools for impactful research, policy formulation, and academic publishing.

Speaking during the event, resource persons stressed the relevance of health services research in improving decision-making and patient care delivery.

“The essence of this training is to help participants grasp the significance of research in healthcare , from policy development to patient satisfaction. Research enables us to track outcomes, identify gaps, and develop sustainable solutions,” one facilitator remarked.

Innovation and Collaboration at the Core

In his keynote address, the Head of the Scientific Research Unit, Abdullahi Hassan, described the workshop as a catalyst for discovery, innovation, and academic growth within FMC Keffi.

“We are gathered today in the spirit of research and scientific progress. Researchers are the bold minds who tackle the world’s toughest challenges. Research goes beyond laboratories , it shapes lives, informs policies, and creates the future,” Hassan noted.

He encouraged attendees to embrace research as a powerful engine for change, adding that such initiatives could attract global partnerships and international funding opportunities.

The multi-day workshop features interactive sessions, expert-led presentations, and collaborative forums, all aimed at positioning FMC Keffi as a leading research-driven institution and a future Teaching Hospital of excellence.