By Usman Yahaya Ismail
The Borno State Government has begun the integration of newly recruited community midwives into its healthcare system, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, dedication, and service delivery at the grassroots level.
This formed the focus of a one-day capacity building and induction workshop organized for 80 community midwives who recently graduated under the state’s scholarship scheme aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled health workers.
The training, held at the Conference Hall of the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, is part of broader efforts by the government to not only employ health personnel but also ensure they are adequately prepared for the demands of the profession.
The midwives, who are beneficiaries of a government-sponsored programme introduced by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, have now been deployed to healthcare facilities across their respective local government areas to improve access to maternal and child health services.
Declaring the workshop open, the Chairman of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Joseph A. Jatau, commended the state government for what he described as a deliberate investment in the health sector. He urged the new recruits to remain committed to their duties and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
He noted that beyond recruitment, the state is focused on building a workforce that is well-trained, ethically grounded, and capable of responding effectively to the healthcare needs of communities.
“The government is not only creating employment opportunities but also ensuring that health workers are equipped with the right skills, knowledge, and orientation to deliver quality services,” he said.
In a welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of the Board, Professor Abubakar Ali Kullima, represented by the Director of Administration, Ali Grema, highlighted ongoing reforms in the sector, including the construction of new hospitals and expansion of healthcare infrastructure across the state.
He described the scholarship scheme and subsequent employment of the midwives as a strategic step toward rebuilding the health system, particularly in underserved and rural areas affected by years of insurgency.
For many of the newly recruited midwives, the programme represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. As they return to serve in their communities, expectations are high that their presence will help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, while improving overall healthcare access at the grassroots.
The initiative underscores the state government’s continued efforts to bridge critical gaps in the health sector through targeted investments in human capital development.
