The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to establish Ibom Medical University with campuses in each of the three senatorial districts of the state.
The association noted that General Hospital Onna (for Eket senatorial district), Ibom Specialist Hospital Uyo (for Uyo senatorial district) and General Hospital Ikot Ekpene (for Ikot Ekpene senatorial District) could serve as the campuses.
This was contained in a communique read during a press conference in Uyo ahead of the 2025 National Physicians Week.
The Chairman of NMA in Akwa Ibom, Dr Aniekan Peter said of the proposed university would drop cut-off points for Akwa Ibom children from above 300 in the University of Uyo to 250 in Ibom Medical University within three years.
Peter, who also acknowledged the efforts of the governor in repositioning the health sector in the state, commended him for the upward review of salaries and special allowances at the last Executive Council meeting.
He said the comprehensive review which covered the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) would make Akwa Ibom medical doctors and health workers one of the best paid in Nigeria, even as he urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from Governor Eno’s gesture.
He also pledged the union’s resolve to support the governor in implementing his ARISE agenda, especially in realization of Ibom International Hospital and the Ibom Medical University.
“In the communique, we expressed our gratitude to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, for the new welfare package for medical doctors and other health care workers in the state.
”The new welfare package is a much-needed boost for medical doctors and other healthcare workers who have been struggling with inadequate compensation for their hard work.
“We also urge the governor to establish the Ibom Medical University with Campuses in Each senatorial district using General Hospital Onna, Ibom specialist Hospital and the General Hospital Ikot Ekpene,” Peter said.
Speaking on the Physicians’ Week, Peter said it was aimed at celebrating the role physicians play in maintaining the health and well-being of communities.
He said during the week, the association would include feature awards to dedicated physicians for the period. The awards would be in seven categories which include: Doctor of the Year; Consultant of the Year, for a consultant who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skill, mentorship, and professional leadership; Resident Doctor of the Year, among others.
