By: Mustapha Gambo Muhammad
The National Hospital Abuja has officially renamed its oncology centre in honour of former First Lady of Nigeria, Hajia (Dr) Maryam Sani Abacha, following a request by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Senator Tinubu had previously called for the renaming of the radiotherapy unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, as a tribute to Maryam Abacha’s contributions to the hospital’s establishment. She made this appeal during the hospital’s 25th-anniversary celebration, themed “Celebrating 25 Years of Quality Healthcare Services and Specialized Medical Care.”
In her remarks, the First Lady emphasized that the National Hospital was made possible due to the foresight and efforts of Maryam Abacha. She stated that renaming the oncology centre would serve as a lasting recognition of her contributions to medical infrastructure and cancer care in Nigeria.
Senator Tinubu also commended the hospital for its critical role in healthcare delivery, both nationally and internationally, particularly in training specialized medical professionals, including oncologists, radiologists, and surgical specialists.
She encouraged the hospital’s staff and management to remain committed to clinical excellence and continue delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, highlighted the hospital’s growth over the past 25 years. Initially established to cater to women’s and pediatric health, it has since expanded into a multidisciplinary tertiary healthcare institution. He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and investing in medical research, advanced diagnostics, and innovative treatment modalities.
Additionally, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Mahmud Raji, reported significant progress in reducing reliance on government funding through increased internally generated revenue. He also outlined plans to establish a state-of-the-art neurosciences institute and construct a specialized presidential medical wing to further enhance the hospital’s capacity for high-acuity care.
With the official renaming now in effect, the Maryam Abacha Oncology Centre stands as a testament to the legacy and contributions of Nigeria’s former First Lady to the nation’s healthcare sector, particularly in the field of oncology and cancer management.
