The Federal Government has been given permission to develop a teaching hospital at the Federal University of Technology Owerri by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The opening of a medical college by FUTO recently received approval from the National Universities Commission.
Buhari agreed to Governor Uzodinma's request for the federal government to fully take over the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, whose prior approval had been suspended since 2015. Buhari's approval did not stop with FUTO having a Teaching Hospital.
At a private meeting with President Buhari held at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Uzodinma received the permissions.
Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor's chief press secretary, revealed this over the weekend.
After the meeting, Uzodinma said he had asked President Buhari to give the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri the designation of a Teaching Hospital so that FUTO medical students could receive the appropriate training.
“Presidential approval was also granted to the request for the full takeover of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education by the Federal Government.
“Since 2015 when the Federal Government indicated interest in the ownership of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri as a Federal institution, the idea is yet to be consummated but the Governor’s meeting with President Buhari has put paid to all encumbrances as the Presidency has given nod to its full takeover by the federal government.
According to him; “The plan is to upgrade the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri to a Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri which will be made available for the maintenance and management of the Medical School approved by National Universities Commission (NUC).
“The President has also given a nod to the full takeover of Alvan Ikoku College of Education by the Federal Government which was suspended in 2015. This is following the institution’s compliance with the requisite requirements by the National University Commission.”
During the chat, Uzodinma advised Nigerians to think deeply about what insecurity and economic sabotage have done to the economy of the country.
He suggested that Nigerians pay less emphasis on the citizens choices of religion and where they come from, particularly as it concerns the political parties and their choices of candidates for the 2023 general election.