Zulum Delivers State-of-the-Art Hospitals, College of Nursing in Monguno

 

By: Abdullahi Inuwa 

In the heart of Borno State, where resilience has become a way of life, a new story of hope is unfolding. Monguno, once synonymous with displacement, insurgency, and humanitarian struggle, is today witnessing the dawn of a new era — one shaped by the vision and determination of Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

With the commissioning of two state-of-the-art hospitals and a brand-new College of Nursing and Midwifery, the town of Monguno has not only secured healthcare infrastructure but also a future anchored on training, knowledge, and professional service delivery. For a community that has endured years of hardship, this milestone feels less like government duty and more like an act of renewal.

A Vision Beyond Rhetoric

Governor Zulum has consistently argued that healthcare delivery and education are the twin pillars upon which Borno’s recovery must rest. In Monguno, that vision has taken concrete form. The newly completed hospitals, each equipped with modern facilities, stand as monuments to what good governance can achieve when promises are matched with action.

The facilities include fully furnished wards, diagnostic centres, operating theatres, laboratories, maternity units, pharmacies, and outpatient departments. Built with resilience in mind, the structures are designed to withstand the peculiar challenges of the region while ensuring access to quality healthcare for thousands of residents.

“Healthcare must not be a privilege reserved for a few. Every citizen, whether in Maiduguri or Monguno, deserves access to treatment, safety, and dignity,” Governor Zulum said during the unveiling.

The governor emphasized that the hospitals would not only serve Monguno but also surrounding communities, including those struggling to recover from insurgency.

The College of Nursing and Midwifery: Training for Tomorrow

Equally groundbreaking is the College of Nursing and Midwifery, a project that underscores Zulum’s forward-looking approach. The college is equipped with lecture halls, demonstration laboratories, hostels, a library, and ICT facilities. It aims to train hundreds of nurses and midwives annually, addressing the acute shortage of medical professionals in Borno.

For young men and women in the area, the college represents more than an academic institution; it is an opportunity for empowerment, employment, and contribution to society. By establishing the college in Monguno rather than the state capital, Zulum has sent a clear message: rural communities deserve equal access to opportunities and investment.

A student who eagerly anticipates enrollment shared her excitement: “We have always dreamed of an institution like this here. Now we can study close to home, serve our communities, and build our future without leaving Monguno.”

Healing After Conflict

Monguno has borne its fair share of insurgency-driven destruction. For years, residents lived under the shadow of attacks, displacement, and disrupted livelihoods. The arrival of these projects signals more than development; it symbolizes healing and resilience.

Medical experts note that with the establishment of modern hospitals, cases that previously required long journeys to Maiduguri can now be treated locally. Maternal and child health, in particular, is expected to improve significantly. The presence of trained midwives will drastically reduce preventable deaths related to childbirth.

Dr. Ali Mohammed, a public health specialist, described the development as a “turning point” for the region. “When a governor invests in both infrastructure and human capital, the ripple effects are enormous. These hospitals and the college will save lives, create jobs, and instill hope in communities still healing from conflict.”

Fagbemi’s Words of Praise

The projects have not gone unnoticed at the national level. Legal luminaries, federal officials, and humanitarian partners have consistently highlighted Zulum’s leadership style — pragmatic, people-centred, and reform-driven. His strategy, they argue, goes beyond temporary relief to building lasting institutions that anchor recovery.

One official noted: “Borno under Zulum is demonstrating that governance in crisis-affected states does not have to mean excuses. It means results.”

The Community’s Joy

For Monguno residents, the new facilities are nothing short of transformational. Women groups, traditional leaders, and youth organizations have openly expressed gratitude to the governor for “remembering” a community long on the margins.

A local leader captured the mood: “When bombs were falling, Monguno was on the frontlines. Now, with these hospitals and this college, we feel seen. We feel like citizens of a state that cares.”

Beyond symbolism, the projects are expected to reduce medical tourism within the state, create employment for health professionals, and attract investments in allied services such as pharmaceuticals and diagnostic equipment.

Building a Resilient Borno

Governor Zulum’s projects in Monguno fit into his broader agenda of building a resilient and self-reliant Borno State. From reconstructing schools and resettling displaced persons to restoring livelihoods, the governor’s approach blends emergency response with long-term planning.

By positioning Monguno as a healthcare and training hub, Zulum is not only meeting immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for generational impact. The presence of the college will continue to produce healthcare workers long after his tenure, ensuring sustainability.

A Model for Others

Development analysts argue that what is happening in Monguno should serve as a model for other conflict-affected states. Rather than concentrate development in urban centres, Zulum has shown the value of decentralizing investments to rural communities where needs are greatest.

The combination of infrastructure and capacity-building projects also demonstrates an understanding that buildings alone are not enough — people must be trained, empowered, and integrated into the system for real transformation to occur.

Conclusion: A Governor Who Builds Hope

In Monguno, the applause is not just for the bricks and mortar of hospitals and a college. It is for the courage of a leader who dared to dream of a better future for a community once written off. It is for the lives that will be saved, the professionals that will be trained, and the confidence that governance can truly make a difference.

Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has once again shown that leadership is about solving problems, not reciting slogans. With Monguno’s new healthcare facilities and training college, the governor has inscribed a new chapter of hope, healing, and human development in Borno’s history.

Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com