In view of the motion moved by Nkwerre representative, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, the Imo State House of Assembly has called on Governor Uzodimma to approve the establishment of Imo State College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery Umudi in Nkwerre Local Government Area, as an independent State-owned professional institution.
They also called for integration of a Department of Autism and Special Needs Studies into the new College to ensure specialized training and research in the critical but neglected area.
Also as part of the prayer of the motion, the House urged the governor to direct the Commissioners of Education and Health to undertake an immediate feasibility and needs assessment of the Umudi site and submit a comprehensive report to the State Executive Council.
“Provide adequate funding for rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing structures at Umudi to meet modern academic, clinical, and research standards.
“Mandate collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and relevant special-needs accreditation bodies to secure full approval, accreditation, and long-term sustainability of the College.”
The motion which was presented by the Nkwerre lawmaker, Ojukwu, during the House plenary on Tuesday, was seconded by the Ikeduru legislator, Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha and cosponsored by 14 other members.
Presenting the motion, the Nkwerre legislator, Ojukwu noted that there is need for more school of nursing and midwifery to be established in Imo State as the ones in the state are not adequate to admit the number of people seeking administration into the colleges every year.
Suggesting that the school should be sited at Umudi, in Nkwerre LGA, pointed out that the area, which was former NYSC Orientation Camp at Umudi, Nkwerre LGA, is currently underutilized, despite having vast land, durable structures, and a strategic location suitable for conversion into an academic institution.
He continued, “Establishing a new, independent Imo State College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery at Umudi will expand access to professional training, improve healthcare manpower development, and maximize the use of existing state assets;
“The inclusion of a dedicated Department of Autism and Special Needs Studies will position Imo State as a pioneer in addressing this underserved area of healthcare education, attract partnerships, and provide specialized training and services to vulnerable populations, ‘Ojukwu asserted’.
The Nkwerre lawmaker, Ojukwu further we asserted that he has no doubt the governor will adhere to the call, as he love anything that has to do with education.
Supporting the motion, the Onuimo lawmaker, Hon. James Esile stated that it is a right step in the right direction as the Nkwerre lawmaker is simply calling for the development of an already establishment structure lying fallow, which he said was paramount.
He continued that autism department is a good way to go, as It will be of great benefit to not just the LGA, but the state at large.
Adding his voice, the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri who lauded the initiative, reiterated that the facility is very large, well built, with diverse departments, staff quarters, others that will comfortably House the School.
He noted that the need to establish more college of nursing cannot be over emphasized as nurses are in high demand, adding that It will also give people yearning to study nursing the opportunity to do so.
The Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemechi pointed out that it was not proper that the former NYSC camp has been lying fallow, saying that if it is used for the aforementioned purpose, that it will increase the number of nurses churned out from the state.
Also supporting the motion was Hon. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli) who described the call as a welcome development adding that if possible, college of nursing should be established in all the LGAs in the state, as it has tremendous benefits, and will boost the efforts of the state government in the education sector.
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