AMORIM: FLUNKED EXPECTATIONS

When Manchester United fired Erik ten Hag, the decision sparked mixed opinions but followed a common trend at Old Trafford. Ten Hag, despite his shortcomings, had brought the club its first competitive trophy in nearly six years by winning the EFL Cup. He also reached the FA Cup final the following season. However, a poor league run, with only three wins in the first nine matches and a subsequent fall to 14th place, reignited fan calls for what many considered a “managerial upgrade.” That supposed upgrade brought Rúben Amorim.  

 

Young, charismatic, and tactically savvy, the Portuguese coach arrived with a strong reputation from Sporting Lisbon. In his first season in Lisbon, Amorim led Sporting to a historic domestic double, winning both the Taca da Liga and the Primeira Liga, ending a painful 19-year league title drought. To many Manchester United fans, he seemed like a modern coach with intensity, clarity, and, some optimistically claimed, “United DNA.” Sadly, that optimism proved misplaced.  

 

From the start, Amorim’s tenure was marked by inflexibility. His preferred 3-4-3 formation generated excitement before his appointment, but that quickly turned to confusion. United’s players struggled to understand the system, performances dropped, and results suffered. Instead of adjusting, Amorim became increasingly stubborn, ignoring calls for tactical changes. At the height of the backlash, he famously joked, sarcastically, that even the Pope could not make him change his formation. That affront symbolized his downfall.  

 

Only when injuries hit the squad hard and pressure mounted did Amorim reluctantly switch to a back four. By that time, however, the damage was done. His frustration was obvious, his authority diminished, and it became clear that the end was near. 

 

Disappointing draws against Wolves and Leeds were the final nails in the coffin, making Amorim’s position unsustainable. After his firing on 5 January 2026, a BBC report revealed significant internal dissatisfaction at Old Trafford:  

“It is no surprise, therefore, that the formation against Wolves and the subsequent result, a 1–1 draw against a team that had previously collected only two points all season, and led to the team being booed off, was viewed very negatively internally at Old Trafford. It marked another significant step back in Amorim’s relationship with his bosses, and his ongoing criticism only intensified that situation. 

“Already unhappy with Amorim's harsh treatment of academy players-he never attended a single age-group game- and his criticism of senior members of the United squad, it left the 40-year-old in a precarious position going into the Leeds game.”  

 

The statistics tell a grim story as well. Amorim managed 63 matches as Manchester United boss but won only half of them. His record was 24 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses, giving him a lowly 38.1% win rate. Most concerning, United had its worst Premier League season under him, finishing 15th with the club’s lowest points total in a top-flight campaign since 1973–74, the season that ended in relegation. Bad, by any measure.  

 

There is no denying the conclusion: Rúben Amorim failed at Manchester United. His ideas, successful in Portugal, were ill-fitted for the Premier League’s intensity and a United squad that needed practicality over rigidity.  

 

Once again, the club finds itself at square one in the post-Ferguson era. So far, David Moyes, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and now Rúben Amorim have all come with promise and left in disappointment. The search for a truly capable, long-term successor to Sir Alex Ferguson continues-painfully, expensively, and without a clear end in sight.

A GLIMPSE AT MAIDEN GOMBE HEALTH SUMMIT

As part of the celebrations for its 29th anniversary, Gombe State will host the Maiden Gombe Health Summit. This important event is set for 2nd–3rd October 2025. It aims to highlight the significant progress made in the health sector under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's leadership. More importantly, it seeks to establish a forward-looking approach for healthcare delivery in the state. The theme of the summit is eye-catching: Transforming the Health System in Gombe State: Accomplishment, Challenges, and the Next Frontier

The summit will proudly feature the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Distinguished Special Guest of Honour. She will open the summit and inaugurate several key health facilities built by the Gombe State Government. These facilities will be handed over to the relevant institutions for sustainability. They include:

•⁠ ⁠The new Federal Medical Centre, Kumo,

•⁠ ⁠The ultra-modern College of Nursing Sciences, Gombe, and

•⁠ ⁠The SDG Women and Children Hospital, Malam Inna, which is named after the First Lady.

Beyond the official ceremonies, the summit will offer strong technical sessions with leading figures in Nigeria’s health sector. High-level panel discussions will address some of the most pressing healthcare issues today, including:

•⁠ ⁠Optimizing Human Resources for Health: Our Vision, Our Experience

•⁠ ⁠Financing Health in the Midst of Donor Funding Uncertainty: Threatening Sustainable Financing for Health

•⁠ ⁠Partnership and Collaboration in the Context of the Sector-wide Approach (SWAp): Maximizing Opportunities to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage Progress

Confirmed participants for the technical sessions include heavyweights from Nigeria’s health ecosystem:

•⁠ ⁠Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare

•⁠ ⁠Dr Habu Dahiru, Commissioner of Health, Gombe State

•⁠ ⁠Dr Isma'il Jibrin, CEO, Human Capital Development

•⁠ ⁠Dr Gafar Alowode, CEO, DGI Consult

•⁠ ⁠Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Authority

•⁠ ⁠Dr Simeon Onyemachi, Chairman, Forum of CEOs of State Social Health Insurance Agencies

•⁠ ⁠Dr Abubakar Musa, Executive Secretary, Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth

•⁠ ⁠Dr Abdulrahman Mohammed, Executive Secretary, Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Authority

•⁠ ⁠Dr Khalilu Muhammad, Gates Foundation

•⁠ ⁠Manasseh Igyuh, Zoe Concepts Ltd

•⁠ ⁠Dr Amina Dorayi, Country Director, Pathfinder International

•⁠ ⁠Dr Emmanuel Emedo, Health Specialist, UNICEF

•⁠ ⁠Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority

•⁠ ⁠Dr Olumide Okunola, Senior Health Specialist, World Bank

•⁠ ⁠Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Health, Bauchi Field Office

•⁠ ⁠Njide Ndili, Country Director, PharmAccess

•⁠ ⁠Dr Anne Adah-Ogoh, Director of Policy, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria

•⁠ ⁠Dr Muntaqa Umar Sadiq, National Coordinator, Sector-wide Approach (SWAp)

•⁠ ⁠Dr Ahmed Ahmed Abdulwahab, Senior Health Advisor, Nigeria Governors Forum

•⁠ ⁠Dr Ashiru Adamu Abubakar, SWAp Coordinating Office

•⁠ ⁠Fatima Zanna, Country Director, GIZ

•⁠ ⁠Dr Felix Obi, Country Director, R4D

•⁠ ⁠Dr Suraj Abdulkareem, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Gombe State Ministry of Health

•⁠ ⁠Barrister Sani Ahmed Haruna, Executive Chairman, Gombe LGA

•⁠ ⁠Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, National President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and CEO of Saif Foundation

With its mix of high-level policy discussions, technical sessions, and key project inaugurations, the Gombe Health Summit will be much more than a ceremonial event. It promises to be a defining moment for both the state and the country, a chance to strengthen Gombe’s standing as a place where health is not just a political topic but a true priority.

-Tanimu Umar

Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, GoHealth and

Member, Summit LOC

GOHEALTH AND GSU PARTNER FOR STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

 It was a landmark day at Gombe State University (GSU) as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sani Ahmed Yauta , and the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth), Dr. Abubakar Musa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP). 

In his remarks, Prof. Yauta highlighted the significance of the partnership; he expressed his excitement now that the University is going to benefit and prayed that the programme will be for the betterment of the institution and surrounding communities. 

Dr. Musa, speaking on behalf of GoHealth, emphasized that the initiative was in line with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of Universal Health Coverage for all residents of Gombe State. In his words, signing the MoU is very special, not only to GoHealth and GSU, but to Gombe State in general. 

Under the programme, students will be enrolled in a health insurance scheme that grants them access to a range of medical services at the university’s medical center. The influx of enrolled students will, in turn, enhance the medical facility at GSU, allowing it to expand services, upgrade equipment, and attract more qualified medical personnel.

Beyond benefiting students, the partnership between GoHealth and GSU is seen as a template for the expansion of health insurance coverage across tertiary institutions in the state. Officials believe that if successfully implemented, TISHIP will serve as a model for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Gombe State, ensuring that no resident, regardless of their financial status, is left behind.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism. The GoHealth-GSU collaboration was not just a policy decision; it was a bold step toward a healthier and more secure future for Gombe State’s students.

LET 2024 GO WITH THE DEBACLES IN AMLSN

The year 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as the darkest chapter in the history of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN). An association’s strength lies in its leadership's effectiveness and its members' unity. When leadership is undermined and dissent festers, chaos inevitably follows. Sadly, this is the exact situation AMLSN found itself in during 2024.

 

At the heart of this turmoil was a credible election in 2023 that brought in a competent set of National Executive Officers (NEOs), led by Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi as the National President. The election, conducted with transparency and fairness, was a testament to the association’s commitment to democratic values. However, even before the election, a faction within the association vehemently opposed Dr. Ifeanyi’s candidacy. When they failed to prevent his victory, they embarked on a relentless mission to undermine his leadership.

 

The post-election period witnessed a series of calculated maneuvers aimed at destabilizing the association. These acts, characterized by theatrics and schemes, were designed to create division and confusion within AMLSN. The orchestrators of this chaos sought to discredit Dr. Ifeanyi and erode the authority of the NEOs.

 

Despite their efforts, Dr. Ifeanyi remained resilient. As the duly elected National President, he retained his certificate of return and continued to lead the association. Importantly, there was no court judgment directly invalidating his presidency. However, the relentless opposition created an environment of distrust and discontent, making it challenging for the NEOs to fulfill their mandates effectively.

 

As we reflect on the events of 2024, it is clear that the challenges faced by AMLSN were self-inflicted. Internal disputes, fueled by personal ambitions and vendettas, overshadowed the core mission of the association. While it is natural for differences to arise in any organization, how these differences are managed determines the stability and progress of the group.

 

As 2024 becomes a part of history, all AMLSN members must work towards rebuilding the association. We must restore the glory of AMLSN by allowing the current NEOs to serve their mandates diligently. Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi and his team have demonstrated resilience and a clear vision for the association. They have the capacity and determination to lead AMLSN in confronting the challenges facing the profession.

 

Let us, therefore, put the controversies of 2024 behind us and move forward with renewed purpose. The new year offers an opportunity to heal, unite, and recommit to the ideals of our association. Let peace reign within AMLSN, and let us collectively strive to elevate the profession of Medical Laboratory Science to greater heights.

 

The future of AMLSN depends on our collective will to overcome the setbacks of 2024. Together, we can ensure that our association emerges stronger, more united, and better equipped to serve its members and the nation. Let us embrace this challenge with optimism and determination.

THE IRONY IN AMLSN

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), once a beacon of hope and professionalism, finds itself entangled in an ironic tragedy orchestrated by those who once nurtured its growth. The elders, celebrated as the architects of its legacy, now stand accused of systematically dismantling the very foundation they built. This painful irony is a narrative of betrayal, manipulation, and self-serving agendas that threaten the association’s unity and purpose.

The elders of AMLSN, revered for their wisdom and commitment, were instrumental in the association's formative years. They cultivated its ideals, fostered its growth, and ensured its stability. Yet, the same hands that nurtured it now seek to strangle it. Their actions reveal a paradox: the custodians of progress have become agents of regression. By attempting to manipulate the last two elections, they exposed a desperate agenda to enthrone a puppet leadership-one that would serve their personal interests rather than the association's collective good.

The elders’ attempts to scuttle two consecutive elections were met with widespread resistance, culminating in resounding failure. The members of AMLSN, guided by a sense of justice and democracy, refused to yield to manipulation. They stood firm, electing a president whose vision and promises resonated with the association's future. But the elders, unwilling to accept defeat, shifted their tactics from outright sabotage to calculated obstruction.

Unable to control the outcome, the elders resorted to denying the duly elected president the freedom to execute his campaign promises. Instead of rallying behind him to advance the association's goals, they created roadblocks, stifling his efforts at every turn. This betrayal has not only undermined the president’s mandate but has also weakened the association’s cohesion, leaving it vulnerable to internal discord.

Ironically, in their bid to maintain control, the elders enthroned an unlikely candidate, a puppet whose previous electoral performance was lackluster. This move, rather than uniting AMLSN, has deepened its fractures. The association now grapples with polarisation, as factions emerge, each pulling in different directions. The deliberate enthronement of a weak and pliable leader has pulverised the association's strength, turning it into a shadow of its former self.

At the heart of this irony lies an insatiable appetite for power and resources. The elders, it seems, are more interested in milking the association dry rather than safeguarding its legacy. Their insistence on personal gain has created an "us versus them" dichotomy-those who align with their agenda thrive, while dissenters are labeled enemies. This toxic culture has eroded trust, dampened morale, and stifled the association's progress.

The irony in AMLSN’s current predicament is both tragic and instructive. An association once held together by shared values and collective ambition now teeters on the brink of implosion, courtesy of those who should protect it. The elders’ actions have not only betrayed the trust of their colleagues but also jeopardised the future of AMLSN. Yet, there is hope. If the association’s members can rally around its founding ideals, reject manipulation, and demand accountability, AMLSN can rise from this turmoil stronger and more united. The task is daunting, but the alternative, a complete collapse of the association, is unacceptable.

TRAVELOGUE: A TRIP TO BADAGRY AND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

 Twenty years ago, I passed through Badagry on my way to the Seme border but never ventured into the ancient town or its deeper history. Though I'd been near its storied shores, the experience remained elusive. Little did I know that two decades later, I would return under vastly different circumstances. In 1973, the Nigerian Government established the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Badagry, a pivotal institution aimed at training public servants and enhancing their capacity in governance and administration. Fifty-one years later, I was fortunate enough to be selected by my agency to attend training at ASCON, and my time there was nothing short of monumental.

ASCON, located in Topo-Badagry, has maintained its stellar reputation since its inception. The college is designed to impart essential knowledge and skills to public servants in various capacities. The lecturers, experts in their fields, delivered training with precision and a deep understanding of public sector needs. They covered a wide range of topics including ethical conduct, managerial skills, public procurement, and resource management, among others. Each session was carefully crafted to engage participants and provide actionable knowledge that could be applied in our respective roles within the public sector. Their unique teaching approach built not only capacity but confidence, equipping us with the tools necessary to face challenges in governance.

While ASCON was a remarkable part of my journey, it was the historical allure of Badagry that truly captivated me. Badagry, a coastal town situated over 70 kilometers from mainland Lagos, is not just a scenic spot but a historical powerhouse. During the 18th century, this seemingly peaceful coastal town served as a gateway for European traders involved in the trans-Saharan slave trade. Badagry's strategic position made it an essential intermediary between European slave traders on the coast and the hinterland of West Africa. It became infamous as a major corridor through which enslaved Africans were shipped across the Atlantic, forever changing the course of millions of lives.

Our visit to Badagry would not have been complete without a tour of its historical landmarks. We began at the Badagry Heritage Museum, a solemn space filled with relics and artefacts from the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The museum showcased an array of exhibits-from rusty manacles that once bound slaves to worn-out artifacts used in trade exchanges. We were told bizarre stories of how of the forefathers of Nigeria were treated as inferior to mere commodities such as umbrellas (an umbrella was given in exchange of 40 human beings carried into slavery), medium-sized mirror (in exchange for 20 able-bodied men), a big canon gun was exchanged for 100 slaves, 10 slaves for coral beads, etc.  It was a grim reminder of the inhumanity that thrived in those times, reducing human lives to mere commodities.

Just a short distance from the museum lies Gberefu Island, better known as the “Point of No Return.” This island served as a departure point for thousands of enslaved Africans being shipped off to unknown destinations. Once someone crossed this threshold, there was no coming back. The moment was symbolised by a well on the island, said to cause memory loss in those who drank from it. Slaves who consumed water from this well were believed to forget everything about their past, further cementing their fate as they embarked on their horrific journey across the Atlantic. Our tour guide, with an air of reverence, narrated these stories, evoking emotions that words fail to express.

One cannot visit Badagry without reflecting on the impact of Christianity in Nigeria. Badagry is, after all, the first place Christianity was preached in the country. The location where this happened is now marked by the Agiya Tree Monument in the center of Obada Market. The tree is gone, but the significance of the moment lingers, a testimony to the deep religious history intertwined with the town's identity.

We also visited Nigeria’s first-ever storey building, a structure that has withstood the test of time. The foundation of the building was laid in 1842, and it was completed by 1845. Built by Reverend Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society (CMS), this iconic building once housed Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a returnee slave who became a bishop and translated the Bible into Yoruba. It’s almost unbelievable that 179 years after its construction, the building is still standing, a silent witness to the changes that have swept through Badagry over the centuries.

To wind down after such an emotionally charged day, we headed to Badagry’s famous Coconut Beach. The beach, located toward the border with Benin Republic, provided a much-needed contrast to the heavy historical undertones of the day. Surrounded by tall coconut trees, Coconut Beach is a slice of paradise. The ocean waves crashed against the shore with an almost hypnotic rhythm, while the gentle sea breeze cooled our skin. The beach was teeming with tourists and fun-seekers, eager to soak up the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. It was a joyful end to a journey that had taken us through some of the darkest chapters of human history.

Badagry’s history is both a blessing and a burden. It is a place of stunning natural beauty, filled with coconut groves and sandy beaches, but also a place haunted by the horrors of slavery. The town’s ability to honour its past while embracing its future is remarkable. My time in Badagry left an indelible mark on me, not just because of the knowledge growth I gathered at ASCON, but because of the town's undeniable connection to a global history of struggle, resilience, and hope.

As I left Badagry, I reflected on the duality of my journey-one of capacity development at ASCON and one of emotional exploration of a painful past. Badagry has a way of weaving these narratives together, forcing visitors to confront the complexities of human history while appreciating the beauty that remains. My trip to Badagry and the Point of No Return is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING EPL SEASON: IT WILL BE ANOTHER ROLLER-COASTER RIDE

The 2024/25 English Premier League season is shaping up to be an intriguing battle, with many teams aiming to challenge the dominance of Manchester City, the defending champions. City's quiet summer in the transfer market has raised eyebrows, but given their depth and squad quality, they might not need any major additions to maintain their stronghold on the title. With players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden still in their ranks, City remains the team to beat. 

 

However, they will face stiff competition from several other clubs. Arsenal, who have come close to clinching the title in the last two seasons, are expected to mount another serious challenge. The Gunners have shown resilience and consistency under Mikel Arteta, and with a few strategic signings, they could be the team to watch.

 

Liverpool is another team that could threaten City's reign. If new manager Arne Slot can quickly settle into life at Anfield and reinvigorate the squad, the Reds have the potential to be a force once again. Their attack, led by Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, could pose significant problems for opponents if they find their rhythm early on.

 

Chelsea also has the talent to be in the mix, but much will depend on how well they can harness the potential within their squad. The Blues have been inconsistent in recent seasons, but with the right tactical adjustments and squad management, they could surprise many.

 

On the other hand, Manchester United, despite their lucrative summer signings aimed at solidifying their defense, seem unlikely to mount a serious title challenge this season. While they have addressed their defensive frailties, lacking a potent striker and a dynamic holding midfielder to replace the aging Casemiro could prove significant obstacles. Until United can find a consistent goal-scorer capable of netting 25 goals a season and a midfielder with the energy to control games, they may struggle to keep pace with the leading pack.

 

Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa will still push for a top-four finish, based on their productive business in the transfer market, I will expect West Ham United to be in that mix, especially if Niclas Fullkrug can quickly acclimatise to the English atmosphere. 

 

Newcomers to the EPL, Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton will surely struggle to keep up with the pace. But I can see one of Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Brentford vying for the relegation slots.