Ondo Government Approves Transfer of UNIMED Teaching Hospital to FUTA

The Ondo State Government has approved the transfer of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Teaching Hospital complex to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval for FUTA to establish a College of Medicine and a teaching hospital, with UNIMED’s facility now set to serve as its primary base.

Health Commissioner, Banji Ajaka, disclosed the development after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Thursday in Akure.

According to him, the transfer covers staff, infrastructure, equipment, and liabilities. All employees of the hospital will be absorbed into FUTA’s medical system under the Federal Government.

“This handover will not only expand FUTA’s capacity as a centre for medical sciences but also improve healthcare delivery for the people of Ondo State,” Ajaka stated.

EU Regulation Spurs New Agricultural Policies

Meanwhile, Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Leye Akinola, announced new measures to shield farmers from the impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The law bans the import of crops cultivated on deforested land, posing risks to cocoa, cashew, oil palm, and rubber exports.

Akinola explained that the state government has approved agroforestry practices to ensure reserved areas remain intact. He added that farmers will be supported with mapping and traceability systems to meet EU standards.

“By December 30, 2025, any crop that cannot be traced to a mapped farm risks rejection in the EU market,” he warned. “To protect livelihoods, permits will be issued to farmers, and farm mapping will be fully supported by the state.”

Review of Agricultural Tariffs

The State Executive Council also approved a review of tariffs across agricultural produce and the timber value chain. This move is designed to align Ondo State with other Southwest states under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission framework.

The combined policies, according to government officials, are expected to strengthen the state’s health and agricultural sectors while promoting sustainable growth.