By Blessing Ibegbu

Prof. Haroun Isah, a Professor of Public Health at Bingham University’s College of Medical Sciences, has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector to strengthen partnerships with international development partners.

He said such collaborations were essential to overcome persistent challenges in the system and improve health outcomes across the country.

He made the call while delivering Bingham University’s 8th Inaugural Lecture at the university’s main campus in Auta Balefi, Karu, Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture is titled “Development Partners in Health and the Nigerian Health System: Harnessing the Power in Partnership in Health.”

Isah emphasised that development partners played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s health sector by providing financial investments, technology, technical support, and capacity building, areas that the country continued to struggle with.

“In spite of ongoing reforms, the Nigerian health system faces challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare professionals, and weak leadership.

“These hinder service delivery and efficiency,” he said.

He stressed that development partners helped fill the gaps by contributing to health policy formulation, funding projects, supporting research, and training healthcare workers.

“They also help expand access to essential services and strengthen systems for primary healthcare, logistics, and diagnostics.

“Strategic partnerships in areas like resource mobilisation, capacity building, advocacy, and public-private collaboration have already led to modest gains in health outcomes,” Isah noted.

To maximise the gains, he urged the Nigerian government to maintain policy consistency, invest in capacity building for partnership management, and institutionalise monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

He also stressed the need to tackle corruption and improve coordination at both national and state levels.

“When partnerships are properly managed, they become a turning point for national health development,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, said the lecture’s theme was timely and underscored the urgent need for partnerships in building sustainable health systems.

“No single institution or organisation can solve the complex health issues we face today. Strategic, cross-sector partnerships are essential,” Ayuba stated.

He pointed to Bingham University’s Zankli Research Centre as an example of successful collaboration, noting that the centre worked with international partners, government agencies, and communities to co-develop culturally appropriate and sustainable health solutions.

“As an academic and research institution, Bingham University is uniquely positioned to drive innovation, train future health leaders, and generate knowledge to support a resilient health system,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor encouraged more faculties to embrace the culture of academic discourse through inaugural lectures, noting that the College of Medical Sciences was now leading with three lectures delivered.

“By the time we reach our 10th lecture, we will publish Volume One of our Inaugural Lecture Series,” he announced.

Ayuba commended Isah for delivering a thought-provoking lecture and thanked the Inaugural Lecture Committee, led by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Musa Dankyau, for organising the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru