The Medical School at Abia State University has experienced the withdrawal of its accreditation by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). The NUC made this decision based on identified deficiencies within the institution.
The Teaching Hospital, a vital component of the training environment for Clinical Medical Students, is included among the teaching facilities affected by the withdrawal of accreditation.
Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abia State, expressed concern about the development.
He conveyed that the loss of accreditation implies that the Medical School at ABSU will no longer admit new students for the study of Medicine and Surgery.
The chairman suggested a potential connection between the loss of accreditation and the non-functional state of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba, a key teaching facility for medical students.
The hospital has faced operational challenges, including interruptions due to worker agitations and strikes over irregular salary payments.
As of the end of April 2022, staff at ABSUTH were owed 25 months’ salary arrears, with Resident Medical Doctors having been on a cumulative 18-month strike.
Other health workers were also on strike, and some doctors, notably consultants, medical officers, and locum staff, were largely inactive due to the disordered work environment.
Efforts by labor unions to resolve these issues have proven unsuccessful despite multiple meetings with the state governor and engagements with national and state-level government agencies.
Over the past 18 months, the NMA has consistently advocated for resolving salary arrears and operational challenges at ABSUTH to prevent adverse consequences, such as losing accreditation.
Dr. Okwuonu emphasized the importance of promptly addressing the teaching hospital’s challenges to prevent the potential loss of accreditation by the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council.
He called for a comprehensive resolution, including the bulk payment of the owed 25 months’ salary, regular monthly salary subvention, and a committed approach to resolving management and training issues within the teaching hospital.
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Conclusion
With continued commitment and determination, ABSU Medical School will continue shaping future professionals and positively contributing to Nigeria’s education system and society.
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