Senate Approves Establishment of Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences and Federal College of Education in Bende

The Nigerian Senate, during its plenary session on Thursday, approved the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende (Establishment) Bill and the Federal College of Education, Bende (Establishment) Bill for third reading. This marks a significant step toward the establishment of two key tertiary institutions in Bende, Abia State.

The passage of these bills, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, followed the consideration and adoption of recommendations presented by the Senate Deputy Leader, Sen. Lola Ashiru.

The House of Representatives had earlier approved reports on the proposed university and college of education during its Committee of the Whole session before transmitting them to the Senate for concurrence.

The Federal College of Education, Bende (Establishment) Bill aims to provide full-time courses and training in various disciplines, including:

Technology

Applied Sciences

Commerce

Social Sciences

Arts and Humanities

Speaking in favor of the bill, Hon. Kalu highlighted that Bende, despite its strategic importance and large population, lacks any federally or state-operated tertiary institution. He emphasized that since Bende’s creation in 1976, it has remained undivided, yet it covers an area comparable to four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in other federal constituencies.

He further stressed the urgent need for a Federal College of Education to address the growing demand for qualified educationists and to fill gaps caused by brain drain and teacher shortages across the country.

The second bill, which seeks to establish the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, aims to address the rising demand for medical and health professionals in Nigeria.

Hon. Kalu argued that the continuous loss of trained Nigerian medical personnel to foreign countries necessitates the creation of specialized medical universities to train and retain professionals.

Once the bill becomes law, the university will offer full-time training leading to the award of degrees in medical and health sciences. This will not only boost Nigeria's healthcare workforce but also ensure better access to medical education for young Nigerians.

Hon. Kalu urged lawmakers and the Federal Government to expedite the signing of the bills into law, emphasizing that their implementation is imperative for addressing Nigeria's educational and healthcare challenges.

The approval of these bills marks a significant milestone for Bende and Abia State, bringing the region closer to having its first federal tertiary institutions, which will boost education, healthcare, and economic development in the area.