The Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, has received approval for 27 academic programmes from the National Universities Commission, spanning Clinical Sciences, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering and several allied health disciplines.

Vice Chancellor Prof. John Emaimo disclosed this at a press briefing and facility tour on Friday at the university campus in Enugu, ahead of the institution's second matriculation ceremony scheduled for Saturday.

Emaimo explained that the NUC initially approved 16 core programmes following the institution's transformation from the former Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy into a specialised university in 2023. The approved courses include Nursing Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Dental Technology, Physiotherapy, Public Health and Biomedical Engineering. The university subsequently secured approval for 11 additional programmes, including Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering.

"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," he stated.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the institution was established to address manpower shortages in Nigeria's healthcare sector and was investing in infrastructure to match its expanding academic scope. Projects underway include 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 added.

Former Provost Chris Emaimo, who spoke at the same briefing, recounted the difficulties encountered during the institution's transition from a diploma awarding college to a degree granting university. He noted that the institution originally ran only two programmes, Dental Technology and Dental Therapy, before regulatory limitations under the polytechnic structure restricted expansion beyond four programmes.

He disclosed that Dental Nursing and Biomedical Engineering were introduced to fill identified gaps in healthcare delivery. "We realised there was no specialised dental nursing programme anywhere in Africa. Dental clinics in Nigeria often close by 4 pm because there are no specialised nurses to manage patients after procedures," he said.

The former Provost acknowledged that delays in securing NYSC mobilisation for pioneer graduates arose from overlapping regulatory requirements involving the National Board for Technical Education, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the NUC, adding that the university continued to engage relevant agencies to resolve the matter.