Godwin Obla eyes ₦1bn medical simulation centre for FUHSO

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Godwin Obla, has unveiled plans to champion the establishment of a Medical Simulation Centre estimated to cost about ₦1 billion, describing it as his legacy project for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO).

Obla disclosed this while receiving the Governing Council of FUHSO, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Mohammed Salihu Audu, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

The legal luminary said the proposed facility would enhance the training of doctors and nurses and position the university as a leading centre for medical education in Nigeria.

“We will help in other areas, but the legacy project I want us to pursue is the Medical Simulation Centre for the training of doctors and nurses. It will cost about one billion naira, but it will be one of the best in the North-Central,” Obla said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the growth of the institution, saying he would leverage his network to attract support from individuals and organisations within Nigeria and the diaspora.

Obla also called on sons and daughters of Idomaland to take ownership of FUHSO by contributing to its continued development, stressing that the university belongs to the people by virtue of its location.

The SAN disclosed that work was progressing on several healthcare projects he has supported at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHTHO), including the near-completion of the Amenities Ward.

According to him, state-of-the-art medical equipment for the ward has already arrived from China, while equipment for the children’s and female wards is awaiting installation. He added that renovation of the male ward had been completed and that 26 hospital beds ordered from China would soon be delivered.  

Chief Godwin Obla, SAN (6th from left), flanked by members of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), after hosting the delegation at his office in Abuja.

He further announced that, following an appeal by the Chief Medical Director of FUHTHO, Prof. Teddy Eyaofun, another distinguished son of Idomaland had undertaken to procure a state-of-the-art X-ray machine valued at about US$10,000, with delivery expected in September.

Obla also pledged to mobilise support for the construction of a fully equipped Doctors’ Lounge with internet facilities to improve doctors’ welfare and enhance emergency response at the hospital.

Earlier, Prof. Audu commended Obla for his outstanding contributions to healthcare and education, including the establishment of the Judith Ogwa Obla Kidney and Dialysis Centre and the ₦40 million Medical Students’ Endowment Fund.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Prof. Francis Aba Uba, also praised Obla’s commitment to the institution, expressing confidence that the proposed Medical Simulation Centre would further strengthen medical training and healthcare delivery in the region.

The visit ended with Chief Obla being decorated in traditional Idoma regalia and formally recognised as the “Ambassador of FUHSO.”