END OF AN ERA: Service delivery, discipline and value-addition define Dr. Adamu’s 8-year tenure at FMC Keffi

BY FRANCIS NANSAK, LAFIA 

The recently concluded 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi has spotlighted the institution’s transformation in healthcare delivery under Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu, whose eight-year tenure as Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer ends this May 2026.

Established in 2001, FMC Keffi has remained the foremost tertiary health facility in Nasarawa State and a critical referral centre for residents of the Federal Capital Territory and the North-Central region. Its reputation for specialised care, research, and prompt service has made it the most patronised public hospital in the area.

When Dr. Adamu assumed office in May 2018, the centre faced systemic challenges: a non-functional revolving fund, unpaid contractors, erratic laboratory services, and underutilised operating theatres. Within his first three months, he decentralised the revolving fund and initiated a debt-reduction programme, restoring supply chains and operational stability.

Eight Years of Institutional Reforms 

Under Dr. Adamu’s leadership, FMC Keffi recorded sustained improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and human resource capacity. The hospital addressed staffing deficits across departments while enforcing accountability and discipline in line with Public Service Rules (PSR). Cases of administrative misconduct were handled transparently, resulting in the dismissal of four staff members between 2023 and 2024 for employment racketeering.

Despite national challenges such as medical union strikes and budgetary constraints, the centre maintained uninterrupted service delivery and improved revenue generation to the federal treasury. Dr. Adamu leaves behind a debt-free administration that contractors regard as reliable and efficient.

Revival of Critical Services 

A hallmark of his tenure was the revival of moribund systems, including the CT scanner and oxygen plant, both of which were near collapse at the time of his appointment. Surgical capacity was also expanded, with theatres now running regular procedures until 8 p.m., while emergency operations continue round the clock.

“In the early months, we set clear goals to address service deficiencies. Today, we have not only sustained those services but also expanded them.

“The increased theatre output has allowed more surgeons to operate, improving access for patients.” Dr Adamu emphasized.

He described the COVID-19 pandemic as the most challenging period of his career.

“Managing COVID-19 was no different from managing any human crisis. At the outset, many doubted its existence, including some staff. We established a central task force and dissolved fragmented sub-units to ensure coordinated response and efficient use of limited resources,” he explained.

Recognition and Legacy 

Governor Abdullahi Sule described Dr. Adamu’s performance as “excellent,” citing the successful separation of conjoined twins at FMC Keffi as a defining moment.

“I had doubts about the operation’s success, but the team coordinated seamlessly and delivered. Months later, I visited the twins in Angwada. They were strong, and the parents were overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Dr. Adamu has demonstrated exceptional competence and professionalism. I would give the management the highest grade.”Gov Sule added.

The Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, also commended Dr. Adamu’s leadership. “Within his first three years, he brought development that drew the emirate, the people, and the community closer to FMC Keffi.

“The projects commissioned under his leadership have significantly improved patient care and the working environment for medical staff,” the emir stated.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning lauded Dr. Adamu as a “prudent resource manager,” while the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Health Institutions described him as “highly proactive.”

In a tribute, Head of Public Relations Ms. Esther Bature said: “You have been more than a boss, but a mentor and a source of inspiration. Many of the opportunities I enjoy today are connected to your influence, and I do not take them for granted.”

A Legacy of Transformation

The history of FMC Keffi will now be defined in two distinct phases: the period before 2018, and the transformative era under Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu. Over the past eight years, the institution has evolved from a facility grappling with basic service delivery into a premier centre of excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system.

As Dr. Adamu steps down, his legacy stands as a testament to what disciplined leadership, strategic management, and a commitment to public service can achieve in Nigeria’s health sector.