Governor Samuel Ortom says the Benue State government is set to regain the accreditation of its School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Governor Ortom, in partnership with a development partner, Centre for Integrated Health Programme (CIHP), said reconstruction work at the school had reached 95% in the 700 million Naira investment aimed at upgrading the school to an all degree awarding institution.
He told reporters that the institution in Markurdi, the state’s capital in north-central Nigeria, had been provided with facilities which include a 7.5 KVA transformer, fully kitted ICT and anatomy lecture hall, laboratory, library and the construction of new hostel accommodation.
The Governor explained further that the upgrade was part of the proposed plan to affiliate the school to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for clinical sessions.
He noted that all was set for the visitation panel from the Council of Nursing and Midwifery for possible re-accreditation of the institution and pledged to fast-track the upgrade of the school.
On his part, the Deputy Programme Manager of CIHP in the state, Emmanuel Udeh, was confident that the completed lecture halls and administrative blocks would stand the Councils’ test.
He said the Council would also be pleased to see the improved laboratory and library which were part of the list of accreditation requirement the it issued.
The Principal of the School of Nursing in Makurdi, Pauline Atse, hinted that some of the students had participated in a mock clinical session for the accreditation exercise at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
On her part, the Principal of the School of Midwifery, Victoria Gusa, expressed optimism that some of the challenges they face would be addressed.
Governor Ortom had in May directed the Ministry of Health to apply for the re-accreditation of the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
The institution’s operational license was withdrawn in 2014 and the ministry is expected to apply to the Council of Nursing and Midwifery for accreditation.
Governor Ortom gave the directive while on the state wide inspection of ongoing projects ahead of preparations to mark his administration’s One Year Anniversary.