The Akwa Ibom State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to create Ibom Medical University, proposing that it should have campuses spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The association suggested 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 university’s campuses.
This proposal was outlined in a communiqué presented during a press conference held in Uyo ahead of the 2025 National Physicians Week.
The NMA Chairman in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Aniekan Peter, stated that the proposed institution would help reduce the high admission cut-off marks for Akwa Ibom students—from over 300 at the University of Uyo to 250 at the Ibom Medical University—within three years.
Peter, while acknowledging Governor Eno’s efforts in transforming the state’s health sector, praised him for the recent salary review and introduction of special allowances approved at the last Executive Council meeting.
He explained that the comprehensive review, which covered both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), would make doctors and healthcare workers in Akwa Ibom among the best paid in the country. He also urged the Federal Government to emulate Governor Eno’s initiative.
He further pledged the association’s support for the governor in implementing his ARISE Agenda, particularly the establishment of the 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 forthcoming Physicians’ Week, Peter explained that the event was designed to honour the vital role of doctors in maintaining community health and well-being.
He added that during the week, the association would present awards to outstanding physicians in seven categories, including Doctor of the Year, Consultant of the Year (for consultants who have shown exceptional clinical skill, mentorship, and leadership), and Resident Doctor of the Year, among others.
