Bingham University, Karu, recently held its 8th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Development Partners in Health and the Nigerian Health System: Harnessing the Power of Partnership in Health,”.
Our correspodent reports that the lecture was delivered by the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Haroun Omeiza Isah, a Professor of Public Health at the university’s main campus in Karu, Nasarawa State.
Declaring the event open, Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, welcomed everyone to the event.
He commended Prof. Haroun Omeiza Isah for his work over the years, stating that the development of the health sector in Nigeria rests heavily on collaboration between government agencies non-governmental organizations, international agencies, the private sector players and the local communities.
“The university’s Zankli Research Centre (ZRC) has forged partnerships with both national and international agencies to drive innovation, train students, and produce exceptional health professionals,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He commended the College of Medical Sciences for producing the 8th Inaugural Lecturer and urged other faculties to emulate their example.
Explaining the choice of his topic, Prof. Isah said his years of working with health development partners has shown him the transformative power of collaboration in the sector.
He highlighted Nigeria’s health challenges, including weak leadership and management, inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare workers, rising population pressures, and fragile service delivery systems.
He called for improved health financing, infrastructure upgrades, robust data collection and utilization, better supervision and strengthened partnerships as key steps towards reform.
Citing examples, he listed the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), and the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP) among other agencies that has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s health sector.
He said, these partnerships have enhanced service delivery, capacity building, resource mobilization and innovation in Nigeria.
Global initiatives such as Stop TB, Roll Back Malaria, and the Global TB Drug Alliance, have channeled funds, technical expertise, and strategies to fight diseases and strengthen health systems.
Prof. Isah disclosed that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest recipients of global health funding, with interventions covering HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19, monkey pox, and cervical cancer. He cited the work of CAOFD in Northern Nigeria, which increased antenatal care uptake, improved drug stock management, and enhanced community health mobilization.
Reflecting on his experience, he said development partners have contributed not only funds but also innovations, community engagement strategies, and technical expertise, urging Nigeria to focus on systemic reforms rather than short-term goals.
However, he identified challenges in partnership management, including poor coordination among government agencies, a highly decentralized healthcare structure, inadequate infrastructure, low funding, and weak financial management.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Registrar, Mr. Daburi Bello Misal, expressed gratitude to everyone in attendance.
He commended the inaugural lecturer for delivering an excellent lecture and thanked the Vice Chancellor for providing the enabling environment for an important university culture such as Inaugural lectures to thrive.
He also acknowledged the Senate, Council, the Ceremonial Committee members, invited guests, and the entire university community, expressing optimism that there would be many more such occasions to celebrate in the near future.
The detailed lecture booklet delivered by Prof. Haroun Omeiza Isah was presented to the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba. Thereafter, a plaque was presented to the distinguished Prof. Haroun Omeiza Isah, in recognition of his academic contribution, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
