The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, Prof. John Emaimo, has said the institution has unveiled 27 academic programmes, including Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Software Engineering, as part of efforts to position the university at the intersection of healthcare and innovation.
Emaimo disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing and facility tour at the university campus in Enugu ahead of the institution’s second matriculation ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
According to him, the programmes were approved by the National Universities Commission following the institution’s transformation from the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy into a specialised university in 2023.
He said the NUC initially approved 16 core programmes in Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Public Health, Allied Sciences, Engineering and Technology.
The VC listed some of the approved courses to include Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Dental Technology, Physiotherapy, Public Health and Biomedical Engineering.
He added that the university later secured approval for 11 additional programmes, including Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering.
Emaimo said the institution was established to address critical manpower shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare sector through specialised training in allied health sciences.
He said, “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.”
The vice-chancellor noted that the university was placing emphasis on practical and hands-on learning to ensure graduates transition seamlessly into healthcare practice.
He also disclosed that the institution was investing heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction of a 1,000-seat 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.
Speaking during the briefing, a former Provost of the institution, Chris Emaimo, recounted the challenges encountered during the transition from a diploma-awarding college to a degree-granting university.
He explained that the institution initially operated only two programmes, Dental Technology and Dental Therapy, before seeking expansion through the National Board for Technical Education.
According to him, regulatory limitations at the time prevented the institution from expanding beyond four programmes under the polytechnic structure.
He said the school introduced Dental Nursing and Biomedical Engineering to bridge identified 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.
He added that the institution faced delays in securing approvals and NYSC mobilisation for pioneer graduates due to overlapping regulatory requirements involving the NBTE, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the NUC.
He, however, maintained that the university had continued to engage relevant agencies to resolve the issues affecting graduates.
The university management said the institution remained committed to supporting the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen healthcare delivery through the training of skilled professionals.
