By AMINU DALHATU
The Senator representing Zamfara Central, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift assent to the bill establishing the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, describing the development as a major investment in education, healthcare and human capital development.
Senator Bilbis stated this at the foundation stone-laying ceremony and flag-off of the construction of the permanent site of the new University held in Tsafe Local government area of Zamfara State.
He who said the bill was transmitted to the President on January 21 and assented to two days later, on January 23, described the prompt action as unprecedented in his experience.
According to him, the President’s quick assent demonstrated his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and producing the health professionals urgently needed by the country.
“Barely two days after the bill was transmitted, Mr President assented to it. To the best of my knowledge, I have never seen another bill receive such remarkable and auspicious consideration,” Bilbis said.
The senator expressed appreciation to his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives for their support during the legislative process, particularly Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, whom he said was among the first lawmakers to support the bill.
He also commended members of the House of Representatives from Zamfara for contributing to the successful passage of the legislation.
Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis further praised Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for his support and commitment to ensuring the university took off without delay, adding that the governor does not only welcomed the idea but fully embraced the initiative and supported efforts towards its realisation.
The senator also commended the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, for representing the governor at the public hearing and playing a key role in coordinating the state government’s commitments to the project.
Bilbis also said about 99 per cent of the commitments made by the Zamfara State Government towards the establishment of the university had been fulfilled within a short period.
He described the university as a historic opportunity for Zamfara State and Nigeria, stressing that, it should be developed into a centre of excellence capable of producing competent health professionals, researchers and innovators.
He urged the university management to remain committed to excellence and ensure that, the institution becomes a catalyst for healthcare development and human capital transformation.
The senator also called on the people of Tsafe and surrounding communities to regard the university as their own by protecting its facilities, supporting its development and making the environment conducive for students and staff.
Senator Ikra Bilbis further commended traditional and religious leaders for their contributions during the public hearing and the process leading to the establishment of the university, saying that, their support demonstrated the importance attached to the project by the people of the state.
Speaking at the flagging ceremony, Governor Dauda Lawal assured the university management that, the state government would continue to provide the necessary support, particularly in the areas of security, access roads, electricity and other infrastructure required to create an enabling environment for teaching, research and learning.
Governor Lawal disclosed that the state government had constituted a committee to identify and recommend the necessary support required for the immediate and smooth take-off of the university’s academic programmes.
He said one of the committee’s key responsibilities was to develop modalities for the coexistence of the new university and the existing College of Health Sciences and Technology Tsafe without compromising the accreditation status of either institution.
The governor said the committee had completed its assignment and submitted its report, which had subsequently been considered and approved by the state government.
As part of the recommendations, he said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development had been directed to assess the existing 70-hectare parcel of land earlier earmarked for the university, as well as an additional 30 hectares proposed for future expansion.
Governor Lawal charged contractors and all stakeholders involved in the project flagged off to ensure that, the construction work was delivered on schedule, according to specifications and in line with the required quality standards.
Immediately after the Governor speech, he performed the foundation laying for the construction of the main gate of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology Tsafe and other infrastructures.
The event was attended by the representative of the Minister of Health, traditional rulers, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, top government officials from Zamfara State, and other key stakeholders.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
