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In a significant step toward enhancing healthcare education in Benue State, the Benue State House of Assembly has passed a bill for the establishment of the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences. The legislation was finalized during the Assembly’s plenary session on Thursday in Makurdi, marking a milestone in improving access to quality nursing education in the region.
The bill’s passage followed an engaging debate led by Thomas Dugeri, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health and representative of Kwande West (APC). Dugeri underscored the critical importance of the proposed institution, highlighting strong public support for the initiative. He urged his colleagues to expedite the bill’s passage to secure accreditation for the college, ensuring it meets national academic and professional standards.
Speaker of the House, Alfred Emberga, provided further details during the clause-by-clause review of the bill. He announced that the college will operate multiple campuses across the state in Makurdi, Adikpo, and Otukpa, a strategic move to make nursing education more accessible to students from different parts of Benue. This multi-campus approach is expected to address regional disparities in educational opportunities and support the training of skilled healthcare professionals.
To maintain high academic and professional standards, Emberga emphasized that the provost of the college must be a qualified nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. The provost’s tenure will span four years, with the possibility of a single renewal for an additional four years, contingent on performance and the institution’s needs.
Following the debate and review, the Clerk of the House, Dr. Bem Mela, conducted the third and final reading of the bill. Speaker Emberga then declared the bill officially passed, paving the way for the establishment of the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences.
This development is poised to bolster healthcare delivery in Benue State by producing well-trained nurses to meet the growing demand for skilled medical professionals. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to improving its healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality education for its citizens.
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Source: PunchNG
