NEWS FLASH: Bill for a New Medical University in Abia Moves Forward to Next Stage

In a significant development during Tuesday's plenary session, the House of Representatives successfully passed through the second reading a pivotal bill aimed at establishing the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Item Bende, Abia State.

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," is spearheaded by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, alongside Hon. Wole Oke and five other lawmakers.

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

Highlighting the challenges posed by the migration of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, Hon. Oke stressed the importance of establishing the university to address these gaps. He asserted that the institution would not only encourage the advancement of learning but also provide 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 develop and 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 stated, "The importance of education in the society cannot be over-emphasized. 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 emphasized the need to tap into the vast export market of trained medical and health personnel by investing more in education and training. The goal is to meet both domestic and international demands, addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the country.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, presided over the session and put the bill to a voice vote after the insightful debate, marking a significant step forward in the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Abia State.