Senate Approves Bills To Establish Federal Varsity Of Medical Sciences, COE In Abia

The Senate has approved two significant bills: the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende (Establishment) Bill and the Federal College of Education, Bende (Establishment) Bill. Both bills were passed for third reading on Thursday, marking an important step toward the creation of these tertiary institutions in Abia State.

The bills were sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and received Senate approval after the consideration and adoption of recommendations presented by Senator Lola Ashiru, the Senate Deputy Leader.

The proposed Federal College of Education, Bende, is designed to provide full-time training in various disciplines, including technology, applied sciences, commerce, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The institution is expected to address the educational gap in the federal constituency, which currently lacks any tertiary institution despite its large population and strategic location.

Hon. Kalu emphasized the necessity of an educational institution in Bende, stating, “Despite its strategic location in Abia and its proximity to Akwa Ibom, with a growing population and landmass, there is no tertiary institution in the Federal Constituency operated either by Federal or State Government.” He noted that the college would help alleviate the shortage of qualified educators in the country.

Similarly, the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, aims to offer specialized training in medical and health sciences. Hon. Kalu highlighted the importance of this initiative, especially amid the ongoing brain drain in Nigeria’s medical sector. He noted that specialized medical universities are essential as the country faces a rising demand for medical professionals.

“With increasing demand for medical and health professionals, especially as Nigeria continues to lose trained personnel to other countries, the establishment of this medical university is crucial,” Kalu remarked.

Following the Senate’s approval, the bills are now closer to becoming law, pending the final legislative processes and presidential assent. Hon. Kalu underscored the importance of the early passage and implementation of the bills, stating that it is “not only necessary but imperative” for the development of the education and healthcare sectors in the region.