FEC approves new Oncology Centre in UCHIbadan

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the upgrade of the Oncology Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made this known after the Council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa.

Prof. Ali Pate said the approval is part of a broader agenda to revolutionize cancer care and health infrastructure in the country, noting that this marks another milestone in the Tinubu administration’s aggressive reform of Nigeria’s health sector.

He noted that the revamped UCH Oncology unit would feature advanced equipment, including linear accelerators and diagnostic systems for radiotherapy.

He added that similar comprehensive oncology centres recently launched in Katsina, Enugu, and Jos illustrate the administration’s commitment to building world-class facilities locally.

“Cancer patients now have access to state-of-the-art treatment within Nigeria, unless they choose otherwise,” he said.

“This government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, is making significant investments so that our people no longer have to travel abroad for care that can be accessed here.”

The Health Minister noted that additional cancer centres are in the pipeline for Lagos and Zaria, while referencing the ongoing commissioning of over 10 major projects at the newly inaugurated University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, one of the largest in West Africa.

These include neurology, stroke, heart, and interventional radiology centres, among others.

“This is unprecedented,” he said. “Nigeria has never witnessed this level of presidential attention and investment in the health sector.”

Pate also commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministers of Finance and Budget in delivering the President’s health sector renewal vision.

Addressing the state of industrial harmony in the sector, the Minister acknowledged two years of relative peace and appreciated health workers across federal and state institutions for their resilience.

He, however, noted concerns raised by professional groups over a recent circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, which has since been withdrawn.

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“We’re now in the process of negotiating revised allowances transparently,” he said, revealing that active discussions are ongoing with key associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and nurses’ unions.

He assured that some longstanding arrears would be addressed by the Ministry of Finance in due course.

“Not all issues are financial,” Pate added. “We are also resolving establishment matters like the centralization of nurses’ postings. The government is committed to ensuring that health workers are respected and supported.”

Further negotiations with union leaders are scheduled for Thursday, in line with President Tinubu’s directive to maintain constructive engagement for lasting peace.

“The health workers are the lifeblood of the system,” Pate concluded. “Our infrastructure and equipment must go hand in hand with a motivated and supported workforce.”

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