BSUTH Institute of Health Technology Introduces New Postgraduate Programmes

The Institute of Health Technology, Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has reaffirmed its commitment to human capital development in the healthcare sector through the training of middle-level health professionals.

The Provost of the Institute, Associate Professor James Terwase Iyongo, disclosed this during the "BSUTH Health Hour" programme on Radio Benue 95.0FM, Makurdi.

Dr. Iyongo said the Institute was established under the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, through the Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, to address critical manpower shortages in the state's health sector.

He said the Institute currently runs five accredited programmes, including Postgraduate Diploma in Community Health Education, National Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Technology, Health Information Management, Dental Surgery Technician and Medical X-ray Technology.

The Provost disclosed plans to commence Postgraduate Diploma programmes in Maternal Health and Family Planning, Child Health and Infectious Diseases, alongside a Higher National Diploma in Health Information Management.

According to him, the new programmes are designed to bridge gaps in maternal and child healthcare delivery while strengthening health information and data management systems across the state.

Dr. Iyongo explained that admission requirements for National Diploma programmes include five credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. PGD applicants must possess relevant qualifications in Community Health, Health Information Management or Public Health.

He said the programmes are accredited by relevant regulatory bodies and affiliated with Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, and other universities, including Ondo State University. He added that certificates obtained from the Institute are recognised nationwide.

The Provost said admission is ongoing, while tuition remains affordable at N50,000 per semester for both indigenes and non-indigenes. He noted that 28 students graduated in the first set of the Professional Higher Diploma in Community Health, while 53 are expected to graduate this year.