President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Murtala Muhammad Ahmad as the seventh substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and takes effect from October 20, 2026, for an initial term of four years.
Professor Ahmad succeeds Professor Anas Ahmad Sabir, who completed his two-term tenure in May this year. According to the Head of Public Affairs at UDUTH, Mansur Wadata, Professor Pate reminded the new CMD of the heavy responsibilities of his office and the yearnings of Nigerians for effective and responsive healthcare delivery.
Professor Ahmad is the second alumnus of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University to lead the Teaching Hospital as Chief Medical Director, marking a historic milestone for the institution. He has over two decades of experience in Paediatrics and Child Health, bringing a blend of clinical expertise, university teaching, and hospital administration to his new role.
Professor Ahmad earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University. He also holds a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) in Paediatrics and a Professional Diploma in Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Additionally, he has certifications in paediatric electroencephalography, health leadership, management, and public administration.
Before his appointment, Professor Ahmad built an impressive administrative track record within the university and teaching hospital. He steadily climbed the academic ladder from Lecturer I to Senior Lecturer, Reader, and ultimately Professor of Paediatrics. He previously served as Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (Training) at UDUTH for four years.
Professor Ahmad has also held key roles as Deputy Director of the Institute of Child Health and Faculty Examinations Officer in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences. He represented the faculty on the University Senate and acted as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and Chief Medical Director on multiple occasions.
Beyond institutional management, Professor Ahmad has been involved in public health service and specialised medical research in Sokoto State and across Nigeria. His research focuses on maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response, and he is a national trainer on the management of severe acute malnutrition.
Key points
- Professor Ahmad's appointment as CMD of UDUTH marks a historic milestone as the second alumnus of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University to lead the Teaching Hospital.
- With over two decades of experience in Paediatrics and Child Health, Professor Ahmad brings a robust blend of clinical expertise, university teaching, and hospital administration to his new role.
- Professor Ahmad has been involved in public health service and specialised medical research in Sokoto State and across Nigeria, focusing on maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response.
