By Mercy Gadia Adi
A bill proposing the establishment of the Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Oju/Obi, Benue State, has been presented to the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. David Agada Ogewu, representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in Benue State, aims to address the shortage of medical professionals, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and high burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases in the region.
“The quality of healthcare system and services in the society is considered one of the crucial factors that define a government,” said Hon. Ogewu.
“The establishment of the Federal University of Biomedical Sciences would provide a platform for medical research and innovation, enabling Nigeria to develop solutions to its unique healthcare challenges.”
In an Interview with Hon. Ogewu, at the national assembly complex, he emphasized that “the people of Oju/Obi constituency, predominantly from the Igede-speaking tribe, have not really felt the presence of the federal government. This lack of federal presence has really given them a kind of setback in many ways, including healthcare and infrastructure development.”
According to him, the proposed university aims to enhance the medical and health sector in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
Hon. Ogewu further emphasized that the university will provide a platform for medical research and innovation, enabling Nigeria to develop solutions to its unique healthcare challenges and also operate clinics, out-patient departments, laboratories, research, and experimental stations to ensure efficient functioning of the medical center.
He also noted that the university will help reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for medical checkups, stating, “with this university, running out for medical checkup abroad will be a thing of the past.”
The bill seeks to establish a world-class biomedical sciences university with modern facilities and technically equipped personnel.Hon. Ogewu expressed his optimism that the university will produce sound, graduating medical personnel who will address the healthcare challenges facing the nation , and employment opportunities and socio-economic development for the host community.