By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Senate on Wednesday commenced moves to establish the National University of Health and Medical Sciences in Suleja, Niger State, with the consideration of a bill which scaled second reading.
Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), who sponsored the Bill told his colleagues that the idea of the institution was informed by the imperative to create more access to higher health and medical studies in view of the large number of qualified candidates who are annually stranded in their failed attempt in gaining admission into higher institutions in the state.
According to the lawmaker, the establishment of the National University of Health and Medical Sciences would encourage the advancement of learning, as well as develop and offer academic and professional programs leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, technical, maintenance, developmental and productive skills in the field of Medicine, biomedical engineering, scientific, and allied professional disciplines relating to health resources.
The bill after scaling second reading was referred by the Senate President to the Committee on Health for further legislative inputs.
The Committee is Chaired by Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC, Kwara Central).
In the same vein, the Senate, on Wednesday, commenced amendment to the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards) Act 1985, to accommodate the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
The move to amend the Principal Act came with the consideration of the University Teaching Hospitals (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which scaled second reading during plenary.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (APC, Nasarawa South).
According to the lawmaker, the proposed amendment when passed, would complete all the required legislative enactments to bring the Federal University Lafia Teaching Hospital into full operation.
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, after the bill scaled second reading, referred same to the Committee on Health for further work.
The Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe-led Committee is expected to report back within four weeks.