By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu, has confirmed that the health facility is at an advanced stage of being converted into a Teaching Hospital, pending final administrative approval from the federal government.
Dr. Adamu made this disclosure while addressing journalists shortly after declaring open the First Hybrid Research Capacity Development Workshop, held at the conference hall of FMC Keffi. The theme of the workshop was “The Role of Health Services Research in Evidence-Based Decision and Policy Making for Better Health Outcomes.”
According to the CMD, all documentation required for the upgrade has been completed, and the hospital is now awaiting final clearance from the relevant authorities.
“We’ve gone very far in the process. At Nasarawa State University, Keffi, we are finalizing proposals to convert FMC Keffi into a Teaching Hospital to support the training of their medical students,” Dr. Adamu stated.
He further revealed that he chairs the Steering Committee responsible for the establishment of the university’s medical program, and that the College of Medicine is already in place.
“What remains now is just the administrative go-ahead. Hopefully, a new set of students will be admitted in the next JAMB session. We already have the manpower and facilities to operate as a teaching hospital. The only difference between FMC Keffi and a Teaching Hospital is the absence of medical students,” he explained.
Workshop to Strengthen Health Research Capacity
Speaking during the event, facilitators emphasized the importance of research in improving healthcare delivery.
The workshop is designed to train staff and students in modern research methods, evidence-based policy formulation, and academic publishing.
“The essence of this program is to teach participants the value of understanding the research interests behind every action in the healthcare system, whether it's policy development or patient care.
The goal is to improve outcomes through data and evidence,” one of the resource persons said.
FMC Keffi Encourages Scientific Innovation
In his address, the Head of the Scientific Research Unit, Abdullahi Hassan, praised the initiative as a forward-looking step in building research capacity and enhancing the institution’s academic profile.
“Today, we celebrate the spirit of discovery, innovation, and collaboration.
Researchers are pioneers who confront the world’s toughest challenges. Research is not confined to labs, it influences lives, policies, and the future,” Hassan declared.
He encouraged participants to approach research as a powerful tool for transforming healthcare systems and attracting global partnerships.
The workshop, which spans several days, includes interactive sessions, expert-led presentations, and collaborative opportunities, geared toward positioning FMC Keffi as a research-driven institution, ready to serve as a full-fledged Teaching Hospital.
