Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday pledged to commit resources to ensure the re-accreditation of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Makurdi and also pursue its upgrading to a degree awarding institution before the end of his administration.
Governor Samuel Ortom who spoke when he visited the institution reiterated that the state government would do everything that is needed to ensure accreditation of its courses.
He stressed the importance of the school to health care delivery in the state noting that its products were also offering cherished services in the health sector all over the world.
According to the Governor it was not a coincidence that both he and his wife visited the school seperately within the last two weeks pointing out that the visits underscored its importance to healthcare delivery in the state.
He decried the school’s loss of accreditation and its state of dilapidation and commended Rotary Club International and Centre for Integrated Health Programs, CIHP, for contributing to its sustenance saying his government was challenged by their actions.
The Governor promised to raise the monthly stipend of the students and also pay its arrears as soon as the financial fortunes of the state improved and urged the staff and students to continue to do their best to ensure the institution’s survival.
In his remarks, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr Jonathan Kwaghtsule, said that the Governor has started on a sound footing by visiting the school and promised to submit the necessary paperwork to him to take actions on the requirements for reaccreditation.
In separate comments, Principal, School of Nursing, Mrs Pauline Atser, and Acting Principal, School of Midwifery, Mrs Lydia Igbah, listed lack of staff, decayed infrastructure as well as withdrawal of accreditation as major challenges and appealed to the Governor to address the issues.
They conducted the Governor round the school for firsthand assessment of facilities.
