Why Niger State Deserves A Medical Varsity - Prof Kuta

By BASHIR BELLO 

North Central states comprising of Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi have less concentration of medical facilities in the country as well as low level of  personnel attending to patients.

This was expressed by Professor Muhammed Yahaya Kuta while  speaking at the public hearing of a bill for an act to establish a Federal University of  Health Sciences in Bida, Niger State.

The bill was introduced by Honourable Saidu Musa Abdul representing Bida/Gbako and Katcha Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

According to Professor Yahaya, the Who Health Organization (WHO)  recommends one doctor to 600 persons but unfortunately in North Central states, it is one doctor to 9,000 patients.

The Professor therefore, commended Honourable Saidu Yahaya for introducing the bill which seeks to site a university of health and medical sciences in Bida.

The erudite educational icon believes that once the university is established,  it would provide more doctors to meet the desired healthcare services.

He also added that with a population of 200 million, the country needs more health institutions which can provide learning and teaching environment that is conducive with well motivated staff.

He said, "Finally, I have the belief that with the population of over 200 million, we still have more opportunities to provide institutions that can provide learning and teaching environment that is conducive with well-motivated staff, excellent equipment, for both teaching and learning, research.

"Indeed, with the current level of health tourism, moving to other countries with less endowments in terms of human and material resources for health tourism is unacceptable. And these are the kinds of windows that can change all for good for Nigeria. 

"NASS must help our universities with new funding mechanism and accountability formula to save the nation’s human capital development agenda".

He further explained that with a huge expanse of land, Bida is well positioned to host the Federal University of Health and Medical Science.

The Professor thanked the Governor of Niger State, Governor Sani Bello and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji  Yahaya Abubakar who was present at the hearing.

Also in attendance, were the Chairman African Patron International Institute of Certified Francis Investigation Professional INC,  USA (IICFIP) Dr. Malami Shehu Ma'aji, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ohanire, representative of House of Representatives Speaker, Deputy Chief Whip, Honourable Onyejeocha Nkeiruka, Former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu Ma'azu, Professor Jery Gana  and Deputy Governor of Niger State as well as  many prominent personalities.

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L-R: Professor Muhammad Yahaya Kuta, Chairman Head African Patron International Institute of Certified  Francis Investigation Professional (IICFIP) Dr. Malami Shehu Ma'aji and Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso during the public hearing on a Bill for an act to Establish Fediral University of Medicine and Health Science, Bida Niger State at National Assembly Abuja. Photo: BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS