A recent article highlighting the perceived divine intervention in Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's ascent to power in Enugu State, penned by Associate Professor Hyginus Banko Okibe, has been met with considerable attention. Published on March 26, 2024, the piece detailed Governor Mbah's challenging path to the governorship and lauded his administration's early demonstration of equity, foresight, fairness, transparency, and dedication to infrastructural development across the state.
The author emphasized that the divisive rhetoric and political tensions of the 2023 election campaigns have since faded, with Governor Mbah now focusing on delivering democratic dividends to all residents, irrespective of their background or political affiliation.
Governor Mbah's commitment to inclusive governance was further exemplified by his recent assent to a bill establishing a teaching hospital for the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) in Igbo-Eno, Enugu State. This development directly followed the commentary on his leadership.
SUMAS itself was initiated by Governor Mbah's predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who established the institution on June 16, 2022. It marked the 60th state university and the 219th university in Nigeria's educational landscape.
The enactment of the Teaching Hospital Bill is a significant step, enabling the university to train medical and allied health professionals by providing essential clinical facilities. This action by Governor Mbah is seen as a strategic move that reinforces the university's potential and demonstrates his administration's dedication to enhancing education and healthcare services.
This development is particularly noteworthy given the criticism the SUMAS project faced during its inception. Some political figures, especially from the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, had labeled it a "white elephant project" and spread misinformation, suggesting Governor Mbah might dismantle or relocate it if elected. These claims were aimed at undermining public trust and creating division.
Despite these challenges, the Ugwuanyi administration, with support from key stakeholders including Prof. Malachy Okwueze and Prof. Osy Okanya, pushed forward with the university's establishment.
Governor Mbah's recent action has effectively countered those criticisms and affirmed his administration's commitment to advancing both educational and healthcare standards in the state. Further evidence of the hospital's readiness came with a job advertisement in The Sun Newspaper on April 2, 2026, signaling its impending full operation.
With the addition of SUMAS Teaching Hospital, Enugu State now possesses five major tertiary healthcare facilities, including the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), ESUT Teaching Hospital (Parklane), National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, and Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu. The operationalization of SUMAS Teaching Hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for residents of Enugu State and neighboring regions like Kogi and Benue.
SUMAS, which officially opened on February 18, 2023, with an initial enrollment of 789 students, continues to be a key legacy project of the Ugwuanyi administration. As the first specialized medical university in the South-East and second in Nigeria, it has rapidly grown into a six-faculty institution with 22 departments and a functional medical school, poised for national and international recognition.
The establishment of SUMAS also alleviates pressure on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which has historically faced intense competition for medical program admissions, particularly for Enugu State indigenes.
Beyond its academic contributions, SUMAS serves as an engine for socio- economic advancement. The surrounding communities have experienced growth through increased student housing, business opportunities, and enhanced local economies. The operational teaching hospital further decentralizes quality healthcare services, providing a vital alternative for residents of the Enugu North Senatorial Zone and nearby areas.
Governor Mbah's decision to advance the SUMAS Teaching Hospital project demonstrates continuity in governance and builds upon his predecessor's vision. This synergy highlights how successive administrations can foster development by strengthening existing initiatives.
The establishment of the SUMAS Teaching Hospital is poised to be a significant historical moment for Enugu State, marking a triumph of foresight, collaborative leadership, and tangible progress over doubt and cynicism. It represents a cooperative effort between Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, contributing a vital chapter to the state's development narrative.
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