The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. John Emaimo, says the institution has introduced 27 academic programmes, including Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Software Engineering, to strengthen its focus on healthcare innovation and technology.
Emaimo disclosed this Friday during a press briefing and tour of facilities at the university ahead of its second matriculation ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
According to him, the programmes received approval from the National Universities Commission after the institution was upgraded from the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy to a specialised university in 2023.
He explained that the NUC initially approved 16 programmes covering Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Public Health, Allied Sciences, Engineering and Technology.
Among the approved courses are Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Dental Technology, Physiotherapy, Public Health and Biomedical Engineering.
The vice-chancellor added that the institution later secured approval for 11 more programmes, including Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering.
Emaimo said the university was created to tackle manpower shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare sector through specialised training in allied health sciences.
“FUAHSE is uniquely positioned as a specialised institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals who are not only academically sound but also practically equipped to meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Our focus on allied health sciences allows us to address critical gaps in the healthcare workforce through targeted and relevant academic programmes.”
He noted that the institution places strong emphasis on practical learning to prepare graduates for seamless transition into healthcare practice.
The VC also revealed that the university is investing in infrastructure projects such as a 1,000-capacity auditorium, a modern library and an ICT complex.
“These facilities are designed to support a conducive learning environment and foster academic and research excellence,” he stated.
Also speaking, a former Provost of the institution, Chris Emaimo, recounted the challenges faced during the transition from a diploma-awarding college to a degree-granting university.
He explained that the institution initially offered only Dental Technology and Dental Therapy before seeking expansion through the National Board for Technical Education.
According to him, regulatory restrictions at the time prevented the institution from running more than four programmes under the polytechnic structure.
He said the school later introduced Dental Nursing and Biomedical Engineering to address gaps in healthcare delivery and equipment maintenance.
“We realised there was no specialised dental nursing programme anywhere in Africa. Dental clinics in Nigeria often close by 4pm because there are no specialised nurses to manage patients after procedures,” he said.
Chris Emaimo added that the institution experienced delays in approvals and NYSC mobilisation for pioneer graduates due to overlapping requirements involving the NBTE, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the NUC.
He, however, said the university continues to engage relevant agencies to resolve the issues affecting graduates.
The management maintained that the institution remains committed to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery through the training of skilled professionals.