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Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has signed into law a bill establishing the Labe College of Nursing Sciences in Gboko, Benue State, in a move widely regarded as a major advancement in the state’s healthcare training and educational infrastructure.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking what observers describe as a critical step toward addressing the shortage of skilled nursing and midwifery professionals in Benue while expanding access to quality tertiary health education.
Governor Alia described the new institution as more than an academic facility, framing it as a strategic, long-term investment in the health, well-being, and prosperity of the Benue people. He emphasized that the college will deliver specialized training for nurses and midwives, thereby strengthening the local healthcare workforce, enhancing service delivery across communities—particularly in underserved rural areas—and contributing to improved patient care standards.
The governor highlighted the anticipated impact on key health indicators, noting that increasing the number of well-trained health professionals would support ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
Beyond direct clinical benefits, Governor Alia pointed to the broader socioeconomic advantages the college is expected to bring. He noted that tertiary institutions often serve as catalysts for local economic growth through job creation, increased business activity, and infrastructure development in host communities.
He further explained that graduates of the Labe College of Nursing Sciences would be equipped not only for clinical roles but also to lead public health campaigns, advocate preventive healthcare practices, and support community-based health initiatives.
Describing the establishment of the college as a milestone in his administration’s vision for a healthier Benue, the governor called on all stakeholders—including community leaders and the Catholic Diocese of Gboko—to embrace and support the initiative. He reiterated that a healthy population remains the foundation of sustainable development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in both education and healthcare.
The passage and signing of the bill reflect the Aliya administration’s ongoing focus on human capital development and the decentralization of quality tertiary education within Benue State, with particular emphasis on addressing critical manpower gaps in the health sector.
