Bello decries proliferation of substandard schools of health in Niger

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has expressed his displeasure over the proliferation of colleges and schools of health in the state, noting some of these schools operate in primary schools, rented apartments and shopping malls.

He made the observation at the combined second and third convocation ceremonies of the Newgate College of Health Technology, Minna, held last week at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, opposite the Government House, Minna.

Bello said the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology must ensure that the minimum standards are met before granting approval for establishment and admission of students into such schools.

“We cannot afford to train health workers in schools or colleges that have no laboratories,” he said.

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The governor stated further that these schools are expected to train life savers and not killer machines. He, therefore, warned members of the public, especially residents of the state, to carry out due diligence before sending their children or wards to any institution of higher learning.

Bello, however, noted that in every growing economy, the private sector players are in the driver’s seat, given the scarce resources available, especially in today’s Nigeria, saying it is impossible for government alone to accommodate all the needs and yearning of citizens.

Therefore, he said entrepreneurs must be encouraged through the provision of level playing field and an enabling environment for their individual efforts to thrive.

“I wish to congratulate my friend and brother, Mallam Hassan Nuhu, the founder/ executive director of Newgate College of Health Technology, Minna, for venturing into this enterprise. I am very impressed by what I see today, and you have my blessings and support,” he said.

Governor Bello also assured residents of the state that his administration would do everything humanly possible to protect them and their businesses to keep the economy of the state going.

He then directed the Ministry of Local Governments, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that at least two indigenous students of the state from each of the 25 local government areas of the state are given scholarship, annually, to study Biomedical Sciences.

The governor also appreciated the New Gate College for recognising some of the state’s pioneer and foremost educationists such as Hajiya Dije Bala and Dr. Ibrahim Suleiman Baba Minin during the last convocation ceremony, and this year’s recipients of the college’s fellowship, Hajiya Amina Ahmed Kere and Dr. Ado Jimada Gana.

“No doubt, your choices are special; and as a government, we fully identify with this particular Nigerlites for their individual contributions to national growth and development,” he enthused.