IN an era where the demand for results-driven leadership in public service has never been greater, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate stands out as a shining example of what is possible when competence meets commitment.
In less than two years as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Prof. Pate is leading a silent revolution in Nigeria’s health sector one that may well be remembered as a defining chapter in the nation’s public health narrative.
The impacts of Prof. Pate’s leadership are already visible, transformative, and far-reaching. From policy reforms and institutional restructuring to improved service delivery and infrastructure expansion, his approach has been comprehensive, strategic, and deeply people-centred. It is not surprising that he has surpassed the expectations in the ministry, and played a vital role in achieving the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
To further emphasize the importance of information and access to the healthcare system, the FMH&SW Inaugurated the first batch of National Health Fellows in all 774 LGA’s, across the country, a ground-breaking initiative that aims to train youths in the health sector to bring innovation and drive change in the sector.
The program is a robust initiative that will revolutionize access to healthcare, improve synergy and drive an effective health service across all Local Governments in Nigeria. This effort not only addresses the persistent human resource gap in healthcare but also empowers a new generation of professionals to lead innovation at the grassroots. It is a visionary move that recognizes health as not just a federal issue but a local reality.
In line with Mr President’s agenda for affordable healthcare for all, the ministry under the leadership of Prof. Pate has identified the need to subsidize treatment for people living with kidney diseases, by slashing cost of dialysis from over fifty thousand naira per session to about twelve thousand naira in various federal hospitals.
In a country where out-of-pocket healthcare expenses push many into poverty, this intervention is more than a subsidy; it is a lifeline. This gesture shines a ray of hope to people suffering from the disease, and hopefully more services would be subsidized to ensure that everyone has access to affordable health services.
In another intervention worthy of applause, the ministry of health has boldly offered free caesarean sections for pregnant women in federal health facilities. For decades, Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate has remained one of the highest in the world, often driven by financial barriers to emergency obstetric care. This single policy has the potential to save thousands of lives annually, especially among poor and vulnerable women who face life-threatening complications during childbirth.
Beyond policies and programs, Prof. Pate has also prioritized institution-building. In Bauchi State, he was instrumental in establishing the Federal Medical Centre, Misau, and upgrading the Federal Medical Centre, Azare into the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital (FUHSATH), Azare.
These moves complement the establishment of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA) by the previous administration and reflect a holistic vision for integrating education, research, and service delivery. The recent approval by the Federal Executive Council for a ₦10 billion investment in medical equipment for the new centre is further testament to his long-term thinking.
What sets Prof. Pate apart is not just the scope of his work, but the sense of quiet urgency with which it is being done. There is little fanfare, but the results speak loudly. In a country where public trust in government institutions often runs low, his tenure offers a refreshing glimpse into what public service can and should look like when guided by purpose and professionalism. Of course, challenges remain, but the foundational reforms being rolled out today could catalyse a generational transformation.
As citizens, we must applaud these strides by Prof. Pate as the bedrock of national productivity, human capital development, and social equity. In his leadership, Nigeria has a health minister who understands this deeply and is working tirelessly to make it a reality. The revolution taking place in our healthcare system may not remain quiet for long. It may very well become the legacy by which this administration is most proudly remembered.
As indigenes of Bauchi state, we remind Prof. Pate that the result of hard work is more work, and we are immensely proud of his achievements as he writes the name of our dear state in gold. Keep on the good work, sir.
Happy Democracy Day.
God Bless Bauchi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Haidar is the convener Progressive Young Academics in Bauchi and writes from Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.