By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A bill has been passed in the Senate to establish Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The chamber also passed a bill to establish Federal College of Education in Gwoza, Borno State.
The passage followed the consideration of two separate reports by the Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.
Senator Umar Sadiq, who presented the report by the Health Committee on behalf of its Chairman, Yahaya Oloriegbe, said the University of Medicine and Medical Sciences will create more access to higher education in this field.
The university is intended to attract people to Abeokuta through higher academic and professional programmes in medicine and allied disciplines.
Senator Sandy Onuh, who presented the report by the Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND Committee on behalf of the Chairman, Babba Ahmad, said the College of Education in Gwoza will help improve educational facilities and balance access to education nationwide.
Senators have been working keenly with Aso Rock to establish more tertiary educational institutions across the country.
In 2019, the Senate approved a bill for the establishment of National University of Health and Medical Sciences in Suleja, Niger State.
Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), who sponsored the bill, told his colleagues the school would provide access to health and medical studies for the large number of qualified candidates who are unable to gain admission to higher institutions.
The school focuses on academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees in planning, adaptive, technical, maintenance, developmental and productive skills in medicine, biomedical engineering, scientific, and allied disciplines in health resources.
Also in 2019, the Senate amended the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards) Act 1985 to accommodate Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (APC, Nasarawa South), who said the amendment would complete legislation to bring the school into full operation.