By Mohammed Babawuro
The Gombe State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaltungo, has etched a new chapter in its academic journey with the successful hosting of its Maiden Annual Conference and the official unveiling of the Kaltungo Journal of Health Science and Technology. The event, themed “Advancing Health Care through Innovations and Research”, was held at the College Examination Hall and drew together scholars, policy makers, health professionals, and students from within and outside the state.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Provost, Dr. Umar Muhammed, described the event as a historic milestone aimed at repositioning the institution beyond routine training to becoming a beacon of innovation, research, and intellectual excellence. According to him, the conference was organized to confront present-day healthcare challenges with home-grown research, spark academic reflections, and foster solution-oriented dialogue among professionals.
“Today is not just another day in the calendar of academic gatherings. It marks the dawn of a new intellectual era for our college,” Dr. Mohammed stated.
He added that the unveiling of the Kaltungo Journal of Health Science and Technology would provide a platform for researchers, students, and practitioners to publish scholarly work that addresses real-world health issues at state, national, and global levels.
As part of his goodwill message to students, the Provost encouraged them to embrace research and innovation with zeal, calling on the youth to become active participants in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
“To our dear students and young researchers, I urge you to see this moment not as an end in itself, but as an invitation to dream, to explore, to question, and to lead,” he said. “Let this conference ignite within you a passion for discovery, and a dedication to service that transcends the ordinary.”
Delivering a keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon. Mohammed Shettima Gadam, lauded the Provost’s leadership and vision, noting that the theme of the event reflects a timely response to global shifts in medical practice. He emphasized that investment in health innovation such as artificial intelligence can transform lives and drive economic progress.
He also paid tribute to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for creating a peaceful and conducive academic environment in the state and for his unwavering support to health and education institutions.
“Gombe is now a beacon in the Northeast because of the Governor’s commitment. His administration is spending billions on healthcare, and partnering with global bodies like the WHO and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to strengthen service delivery,” the Commissioner added.
Dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Commissioners for Health and Local Government officials from Kaltungo, Kwami, and Shongom, as well as tertiary institution heads, scholars, and students. Key presentations were delivered by Prof. S.L. Kela and MLS Abdulsalam Yakubu, who were commended for their scholarly insight and contributions.
The event concluded with a call to institutionalize the conference as an annual platform for generating ideas and research to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, especially from the grassroots.