The management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has defended its handling of the accreditation process for the institution’s Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) programme following recent student protests over delays in accreditation.

In a statement issued on Monday, the university said reports circulating in the public space failed to reflect the full extent of efforts undertaken by the current administration to address longstanding accreditation challenges inherited from previous management.

According to the institution, the current Vice-Chancellor, Francis Aba Uba, met an accreditation process that had remained inactive for several years before his assumption of office on May 13, 2025.

The management stated that no Resource Verification or Advisory Visit had been conducted by the [Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria](https://www.mdcn.gov.ng?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for four years before the present administration took office.

It added that statutory accreditation fees had not been paid, while several critical facilities required for accreditation were either abandoned, inadequate or non-existent.

Among the deficiencies identified were the abandoned Multi-User Laboratory project at the Teaching Hospital, the absence of an Autopsy Centre, a deteriorated morgue and substandard Anatomy and Human Physiology laboratories.

The university said the current administration immediately prioritised the MBBS accreditation process after assuming office.

According to the statement, statutory accreditation fees were paid promptly and formal engagement with the [Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria](https://www.mdcn.gov.ng?utm_source=chatgpt.com) commenced shortly afterwards.

The institution said it also conducted a gap analysis based on MDCN standards and implemented a remediation plan to address identified deficiencies.

FUHSO disclosed that the abandoned Multi-User Laboratory project had been revived following the disengagement of the initial contractor and subsequent re-award of the contract.

The management added that the Anatomy and Human Physiology laboratories had been upgraded, while construction of the Autopsy Centre and reconstruction of the morgue were ongoing.

The university further revealed that the Vice-Chancellor and members of the principal officer team contributed personal resources towards the reconstruction of the morgue to accelerate work on the project.

Other interventions listed by the institution include the procurement of a bus for the Department of Community Medicine, provision of hostel accommodation for pioneer students near the Teaching Hospital and targeted staff recruitment to meet MDCN requirements.

The management stated that pioneer students previously sent home had resumed academic activities, with lectures and practical sessions currently ongoing.

FUHSO confirmed that the MDCN accreditation visit has been officially scheduled for May 21, 2026.

The institution described the scheduled visit as the outcome of twelve months of sustained efforts aimed at resolving the university’s accreditation challenges.

Addressing students and parents, the university said it understood concerns surrounding the delays but remained committed to ensuring that students’ academic progress was not jeopardised.

The management also urged the media and the public to ensure balanced reporting of the matter.

FUHSO reiterated its commitment to securing accreditation for the MBBS programme and strengthening medical education at the institution.