Pomp in Akwa Ibom as University of Health Sciences Bill scales second reading in House of Reps [+video]

Akwa Ibom is reeling in palpable excitement as the Hon Paul Ekpo-sponsored bill seeking to establish a tertiary Health Sciences University scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The University is to cater to a spectrum of Health Sciences including Nursing, Laboratory sciences and Health Technology, among others.

In his presentation the member representing Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency emphasized the need to attract such huge Federal presence to the State to upscale the existing School of Health Technology to a full fledged University once the Committee on University education completes its work and presents it to the house for a third hearing and adoption

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Medical practitioners and stakeholders have expressed excitement and hope that the institution will elevate the capacity of healthcare professionals providing the much needed employment opportunities for thousands of youth across the nation whilst providing the requisite healthcare and technology that remains a challenge in Nigeria

The Lawmaker and sponsor of the bill has pivoted healthcare as his primary legislative agenda having co-sponsored and promoted other bills focusing on the health sector like the recent Tuberculosis intervention efforts at the National Assembly amidst his recently inaugurated medical outreach that attended to over 3000 constituents in November.

Reacting after plenary the sponsor Obong Paul Ekpo popularly referred to as OPE expressed appreciation to the indefatigable Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for continually supporting life touching interventions in the Health and other sectors thus ensuring a seamless transformation of the lives of citizenry. He commended his colleagues for taking the honorable path of dispensing democracy dividends objectively regardless of party lines

The first timer Parliamentarian himself a grassroots politician and banker who had served as two time Commissioner of Industries and Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs in Akwa Ibom, two term Chairman of PDP at the State and National Chairman of PDP State Chairmen forum dedicated his success to the ever sufficient Grace of God as well as home support from His Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and his constituents committing to doing more for the betterment of society through his current National Assembly sojourn

The Federal University of Health Sciences in Etinan Bill once passed into law promises potential contribution to higher education in medical and health sciences,development of technical skills in medicine, biomedical engineering, scientific, and allied professional disciplines. The University becomes expedient given the frequency of epidemic outbreaks and the inadequate health infrastructure and personnel in Nigeria, particularly the South South Geopolitical zone.

Watch video below;