Ondo Hands Over Teaching Hospital To FUTA

By Ayodele Oni

As a preclude to the take off of a College of Medicine at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), Ondo State Government has approved the transfer of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Teaching Hospital complex in the state capital to the University.

The decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Lucky  Aiyedatiwa.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said the approval followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier consent for FUTA to set up a College of Medicine and a Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Ajaka explained that the transfer covers the hospital infrastructure, equipment, and staff, who will all be absorbed into the FUTA Teaching Hospital system under the Federal Government.

He described the move as a win-win for the state, noting that it would not only boost FUTA’s transition into medical sciences but also strengthen healthcare delivery for residents of Ondo State.

“This handover is a strategic alignment to fast-track the takeoff of FUTA’s College of Medicine, while ensuring continuity in healthcare delivery,” Ajaka said.

Also addressing the press, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, announced that the Council approved agroforestry practices and mapping systems to help farmers comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

He warned that by December 2025, crops not traceable to mapped farms risk rejection in the EU market.

The Council further endorsed a review of tariffs across agricultural produce and timber, harmonizing Ondo’s framework with other Southwest states.

On infrastructure, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, said each cabinet member would nominate a road project in their local government to ensure equitable development across the 18 LGAs.

The Council also ratified the appointment of Joseph Ilésanmí as the monarch of Sosan in Akoko South-East Local Government Area.