The Benue State House of Assembly has approved a bill to establish the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences, a move aimed at strengthening healthcare education and producing more skilled professionals for the state.
The legislation was passed during Thursday’s plenary session in Makurdi after extensive deliberations among lawmakers.
The bill, according to members, is expected to provide a legal framework for the training of nurses and midwives who will help bridge the gap in the state’s health sector.
Presenting the bill, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), said the proposal had received overwhelming support from residents.
He argued that the institution would not only enhance access to professional training but also position Benue to meet national accreditation standards.
“The health needs of our people are growing daily, and we require a strong institution to train qualified nurses to serve both rural and urban communities,” Dugeri told his colleagues.
He stressed that the speed of passage was crucial for the accreditation process.
During the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, Speaker Alfred Emberga highlighted key provisions.
He explained that the college would operate from three campuses located in Makurdi, Adikpo, and Otukpa, to make the institution accessible to students across the state.
Emberga also disclosed that the head of the institution must be a seasoned nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing.
The provost, he added, would serve a four-year tenure, with the option of a second term depending on performance and institutional needs.
“Our intention is to build an institution that upholds professional and academic excellence. That is why we are making the leadership criteria very clear,” the Speaker stated.
Following the review, the Clerk of the House, Dr Bem Mela, was directed to conduct the third reading of the bill. After the process was completed, the Speaker announced the formal passage of the legislation.
With this development, Benue State moves closer to establishing a specialised college that lawmakers say will transform the future of nursing education in the state.