FUTO Partners Red Cross to Launch Hostel Health Emergency Response Unit

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have jointly proposed to establish a Students' Hostel Health Emergency Response Unit aimed at equipping students with basic emergency response and first-aid skills.

The proposal was presented on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 when members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, at the University.

Speaking during the visit, leader of the team and Owerri Branch Chairman of the Red Cross Society, Hon. Greg Okemili said the proposed Unit is designed to train volunteer students to provide immediate assistance during health emergencies in the University hostels while awaiting the arrival of professional medical personnel.

Hon. Okemili explained that the initiative was conceived to strengthen health preparedness among students, and promote a safer campus environment. He noted that prompt intervention during the early stages of an emergency could help reduce avoidable complications.

Also speaking, the Training Officer of the Owerri Red Cross Branch, Comrade Kizito Uzoma said the Society was prepared to provide technical support for the proposed programme, including training modules, resource persons, certification of trainees, and periodic refresher courses.

Earlier in a remark, the Dean of Students’ Affairs Unit, Prof. U.M. Chukwuocha, who facilitated the partnership, disclosed that the proposed Emergency Response Unit would involve Hall Administrators and other logistical support from the University to ensure prompt transportation of sick students to the medical centre.

Responding, Prof. Dozie welcomed the initiative and commended the Nigerian Red Cross for its humanitarian services and commitment to health and safety. The Vice-Chancellor said the proposal was timely given the number of students residing in the University's hostels.

While restating his administration’s commitment to students’ welfare, he said initiatives that equip students with practical skills capable of protecting lives were valuable additions to the University's student support system.

Prof. Dozie consequently directed relevant University units, including the Student Affairs Unit and the Department of Health Services, to engage further with the Nigerian Red Cross on the operational framework for the proposed Unit, and identify practical steps towards its implementation.

The engagement was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Chika C. Ogueke; Registrar, Mr Chiedozie Uba; Bursar, Mrs Ebere Nwadike; University Librarian, Dr Mrs Justina Ekere; Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Uche M. Chukwuocha; Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Dr Mrs Nneamaka Chiegboka; Director, Department of Health Services, Dr Kelechi C. Osuagwu, among others.