N16.6bn Allocated for the Launch of New Funtua Medical University — Sen. Dandutse
A total of N16.6 billion has been allocated for the successful establishment of the newly created Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Funtua, Katsina State. This funding aims to enhance medical education and improve access to quality healthcare training, particularly in the North-West region and Katsina State.
Senator Muntari Muhammad Dandutse, representing the Funtua Senatorial District, made the announcement while speaking with journalists in Katsina. He highlighted that the Katsina State government has already committed over N3 billion to support the university’s take-off. Additionally, the federal government has allocated N5.7 billion through the 2025 budget for capital projects, while TETFund has provided a N5 billion start-up grant. A further N2.9 billion has been designated for regular interventions to ensure the smooth operation of the university.
As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, Senator Dandutse expressed his satisfaction with the progress made thus far, adding that the university is expected to begin operations in September this year, marking a significant milestone for medical education in the region.
The senator emphasized the critical role of the university in addressing gaps in healthcare education, not only for Katsina State but for the entire North-West region and Nigeria. Funtua’s strategic location, connecting key states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa, makes the university easily accessible to students from various parts of the country.
With the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and the establishment of a Governing Council, the next phase of the university’s development will focus on recruiting staff to commence academic activities.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Senator Dandutse expressed pride in his broader achievements beyond the university project. These included significant infrastructure development, such as the construction of a Police Area Command in Malumfashi, libraries, dams, skills acquisition centres, and secondary schools.
He also ensured the installation of solar streetlights in all 117 polling units within his senatorial district, improving both security and accessibility in rural areas. His commitment to empowering young people was evident in his PoS program, which created business opportunities for 400 unemployed youths. Furthermore, 300 individuals received N100,000 each to start fish farming, providing them with a sustainable source of income.
In addition, many constituents benefited from the distribution of vehicles and motorcycles, aimed at enhancing transportation and mobility for small business owners and community leaders.
