The Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, has described family medicine as a flexible and adaptable field capable of addressing diverse and emerging health challenges.
Ayuba spoke in Karu, Nasarawa State, during the university’s 11th inaugural lecture delivered by Prof. Musa Dankyau, former Provost of the College of Medical Sciences and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
The lecture, titled “The Protean Nature of Family Medicine and Family Care: Old Medicine for New Problems,”emphasised the enduring value of holistic and patient-centred care in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Ayuba explained that the term “protean,” derived from the Greek mythological figure Proteus, reflects the discipline’s ability to adapt without losing its core principles. He noted that family medicine remains central to comprehensive and continuous care despite technological and societal changes.
In his lecture, Dankyau described family medicine as “the most adaptable and system-resilient response” to complex health challenges, including multimorbidity, rising healthcare costs, workforce shortages, and climate change.
He argued that sustainable healthcare systems would emerge from stronger, value-driven primary care rather than increased specialisation alone. He described family medicine as “old medicine for new problems” and a pathway to humane, equitable, and resilient health systems.
Among dignitaries at the event was Dr. Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
