Kogi Assembly Passes Bill for Dr. Umaru Sandah Ahmadu College of Health Technology in Lokoja

The Kogi State House of Assembly has successfully passed the second reading of a bill aimed at establishing the Dr. Umaru Sandah Ahmadu College of Health Technology in Lokoja. The bill, presented by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, was laid before the House and read for the first time on October 29, 2024.

In a press statement issued by Yabagi Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, it was highlighted that this initiative seeks to create a robust framework for health technology education in the state capital, Lokoja, which also serves as the headquarters of Lokoja Local Government Area.

During the debate on the bill, Speaker Yusuf underscored the importance of the college, noting that it will provide essential educational services in health technology and public health diagnosis. The institution is designed to align with the standards set by several regulatory bodies, including the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, among others. These bodies will ensure that the college adheres to best practices in health technology education.

“The passage of this bill is necessitated by the need to establish a legal framework to regulate the administrative, academic, and operational activities of the proposed college,” Yusuf stated. The college aims to offer a range of courses and research opportunities in health sciences and technology, ultimately leading to the award of certificates, National Diplomas (ND), Higher National Diplomas (HND), and professional certifications.

The comprehensive 36-page bill is organized into nine parts and contains 58 clauses, outlining the administrative structure of the college. If approved, the college will be headed by a Provost with a minimum qualification of a master’s degree in health-related fields, alongside a Governing Council responsible for overseeing the institution’s operations.

Furthermore, the bill delineates various schools within the college, including the School of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Pharmaceutical Science, and School of Environmental Health Science. These schools will primarily focus on health sciences and emerging technological courses.

Speaker Yusuf appealed to his fellow lawmakers for support, emphasizing that the establishment of the college is crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery in Lokoja, Kogi State, and beyond. He asserted that the future health professionals trained at this institution will play a vital role in diagnosing diseases and treating patients effectively.

As the Kogi Assembly continues to progress on this initiative, the potential establishment of the Dr. Umaru Sandah Ahmadu College of Health Technology is set to make significant contributions to the health sector in the region and improve educational standards in health technology.