House of Representatives Advances Bill for Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Abia

In a groundbreaking development during Tuesday's plenary session, the House of Representatives successfully propelled a pivotal bill to establish the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Item Bende, Abia State, to the second reading.

Spearheaded by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, alongside Hon. Wole Oke and five other lawmakers, the proposed legislation, titled "Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende, to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters," received resounding support.

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During the debate on the bill's general principles, Hon. Oke emphasized the university's core mandate of providing full-time training leading to degrees in medical and health sciences. The urgent need for specialized medical universities in Nigeria was underscored, considering the increasing demand for healthcare professionals and the alarming rate at which the country loses trained medical personnel to other nations.

Addressing the challenges posed by the migration of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, Hon. Oke stressed the critical importance of establishing the university to bridge these gaps. He asserted that the institution would not only promote the advancement of learning but also offer equal educational opportunities to individuals irrespective of race, creed, sex, or political conviction.

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Furthermore, the university, when established, is expected to offer academic and professional programs, including diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research, and higher degrees. The focus will be on planning, technical, maintenance, developmental, and productive skills in the field of Medicine and allied professional disciplines related to health resources.

In his statement, Hon. Oke emphasized, "The importance of education in society cannot be overemphasized. It is important for a happy and stable life, for better income and livelihood, and for social equality. Furthermore, it is important to have specialized universities, especially in the field of medical and health sciences."

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He also highlighted the need to tap into the vast export market of trained medical and health personnel by investing more in education and training, aiming to meet both domestic and international demands, and address the shortage of medical professionals in the country.

Under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the session marked a significant step forward in the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Abia State as the bill received overwhelming support through a voice vote.