By Secrets Reporters
Further information contained in a document exclusively obtained by SecretsReporters has raised concerns over the governance of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State, including the alleged irregular conduct of Top Management Committee meetings, job racketeering, the disposal of hospital property and the management of a ₦6 billion special intervention grant by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Professor Ahmed Umdagas Hamidu, the Director of Administration (DA) Barr. Buhari Zailani and other officials.
Failure to Hold TMC Meetings Regularly
It was discovered from the document that the hospital’s Top Management Committee (TMC), described as its highest decision-making body, allegedly does not meet regularly and may go for extended periods without holding meetings.
The situation has reportedly raised concerns over the hospital’s governance and administration, particularly regarding the involvement of senior management in decisions affecting the institution.
According to the document, the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), which has reportedly been trying to manage the hospital’s affairs, has been working in isolation, while Professor Ahmed is alleged to have been acting in concert with Buhari Zailani.
The document further claims that the CMAC and other TMC members are rarely consulted for advice and that, even when their opinions are sought, their recommendations may not be considered in the final decisions.
Job Racketeering Allegations
Regarding the 2025 recruitment exercise at ABUTH, following approval for a waiver to employ additional staff. The recruitment exercise was expected to be concluded within one or two months. However, it is alleged that approximately 100 employment slots were reserved by the Buhari Zailani, with most of the slots reportedly offered for sale up to the first quarter of 2026.
Alleged Illegal Disposal of ABUTH Property in Kofar Doka, Zaria
Another issue raised in the document concerns the alleged disposal of Federal Government property belonging to ABUTH at its TB Annex in Kofar Doka, Zaria, Kaduna State.
It was alleged that the property was disposed of without ministerial or federal government approval and without compliance with the required procedures for the disposal of public assets.
Quoting the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Federal Government Financial Regulations, Section 26 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, commonly referred to as the ICPC Act, and Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
There were calls for the property’s ownership records, the circumstances surrounding its disposal, the approvals obtained, if any, and the parties involved in the transaction.
Questions Over ₦6 Billion Special Intervention Grant
Also concerning the ₦6 billion special intervention grant reportedly allocated to ABUTH in 2020, the grant was intended to support infrastructural development, the procurement of medical equipment and the upgrading of hospital services.
However, the document alleges that the funds were misappropriated or diverted by Professor Ahmed, while the extent of work carried out with the money reportedly does not correspond with the amount provided. The intervention grant was intended to improve the hospital’s infrastructure, equipment and service delivery.
