The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a bill for the establishment of the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences, marking a significant development in healthcare education for the state.
The bill's passage followed a comprehensive debate led by Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), Chairman of the House Committee on Health, who highlighted the proposed institution's importance to healthcare development in the region.
During the legislative session, Dugeri informed his colleagues that the bill had received strong public support due to its relevance to healthcare education. He urged the House to expedite its passage to ensure the institution could secure necessary accreditation from regulatory bodies.
Speaker Alfred Emberga, while reviewing the bill clause by clause, revealed that the college would operate from three strategic campuses located in Makurdi, Adikpo, and Otukpa to enhance accessibility for students across different parts of the state.
"The establishment of multiple campuses ensures that nursing education becomes more accessible to qualified candidates from various parts of Benue State," the Speaker noted during the proceedings.
The bill includes specific provisions regarding the leadership of the institution. According to Emberga, anyone appointed as provost must be a qualified nurse holding a Master's Degree in Nursing, ensuring high academic and professional standards at the college.
Additionally, the legislation stipulates that the provost's term would last four years, with the possibility of renewal for another four-year term based on performance evaluation and institutional needs.
Following the detailed review, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Dr. Bem Mela, to read the bill for the third and final time. Upon completion of this procedural requirement, Speaker Emberga officially declared the bill passed.
The establishment of the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences is expected to address the shortage of qualified nursing professionals in the state and improve the overall quality of healthcare delivery in the region.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria's healthcare sector faces significant challenges, including inadequate staffing and training facilities for healthcare professionals.
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