The founder and chief investor behind Sahad Stores, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, has selected Nasarawa State as the preferred location for a new University of Medical Sciences, signaling a major boost to the state’s education and healthcare sectors.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr. Shamsuddeen Ahmed Aliyu, Executive Vice Chairman for Healthcare Operations, who led a delegation from Sahad Hospital Abuja on a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia.
Dr. Aliyu explained that the purpose of the visit was to brief the Governor on the decision to establish the university along the Abuja–Keffi expressway and to formally request land to commence development.
He stated that the Sahad Stores founder, whose businesses span Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Dutse, Maiduguri, and Bauchi, recently expanded into the healthcare sector as part of his commitment to social investment and community development.
According to him, the philanthropist has directed that Sahad Hospital should charge 50 percent less than standard private healthcare rates to make medical services accessible.
“The driving philosophy behind our healthcare investment is community service, not profit. When I presented the hospital tariffs during commissioning, he insisted that if others charge N20,000, we must charge N10,000. That is the guiding principle,” Dr. Aliyu said.
Dr. Aliyu also revealed that Sahad Hospital already runs a College of Nursing with 150 students and plans to expand into medical sciences, including internship programs and residency training, before transitioning into full disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, and medical laboratory sciences.
However, he noted that the NUC requirement for a vast land area prompted the search outside Abuja.
“With the large number of our students and patients coming from Nasarawa State, it became clear that this is the most suitable location for the university,” he added.
Governor Sule Applauds Initiative
In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed deep appreciation to Alhaji Mijinyawa for choosing Nasarawa State for the landmark project and for his philanthropic contributions through affordable healthcare.
“Thank you for what you are giving back to Nigeria and humanity. Charging only a fraction of standard medical fees is a true demonstration of service,” the Governor said.
While commending the gesture, Governor Sule stressed the importance of financial sustainability to maintain facilities and equipment.
He noted that the proposed University of Medical Sciences aligns with his administration’s goal of establishing two specialized universities—one focused on engineering and the other on medical sciences.
He emphasized that such institutions, designed for fewer but highly skilled students, would benefit from existing healthcare facilities such as FMC Keffi, Akwanga Specialist Hospital, and the University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
Regarding the land request, the Governor assured maximum support, advising the delegation to consider Kokona or Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas due to limited availability of land along the Abuja–Keffi axis.
With this initiative, Nasarawa State is set to strengthen its emerging role as a center for advanced medical training and healthcare excellence in Northern Nigeria.
