By Abdullateef Bambgose
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, Prof. Francis Aba Uba, has appealed to the House of Representatives Committee on University Education, the National Assembly, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen security around the university and its host communities to ensure a conducive environment for learning, teaching and research.
Prof. Uba made the appeal during an engagement with the House Committee on University Education, led by iHon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, over the implementation of the budget, affairs and development needs of the specialized university.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace within the university environment but noted that the broader security challenges affecting some neighbouring communities require sustained intervention to guarantee lasting peace and stability.
He cited recent security incidents in communities around the university, including attacks that occurred on July 12, 14 and 16, 2026, stressing the need for proactive measures to prevent further occurrences and sustain confidence in the area.
Prof. Uba explained that strengthening security around the university and its host communities would further enhance the institution’s capacity to attract investments, partnerships and the highly skilled manpower required to achieve its mandate as a specialized health sciences university.
The Vice Chancellor further informed the committee that the university is still operating from its take-off site while efforts continue toward the development of its permanent campus. He appealed for increased funding to accelerate critical infrastructure development, noting that adequate facilities and a secure environment are essential to achieving the institution’s vision of becoming a globally competitive university of health sciences.
Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, assured the university that the committee would give due consideration to the issues raised and provide the necessary legislative support within its mandate. He also urged the university management on the prudent and transparent utilization of available resources.
The committee further directed the university management to submit comprehensive details of its 2025 and 2026 budget implementation
