The groundbreaking and foundation laying ceremony of a building to house a skills laboratory for Public Health Nursing students, a tele-medicine hub and a Primary Health Care Centre has been held in the campus of Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City.
In her opening speech at the event, the Provost Edo State College of Nursing Sciences,Prof. Patricia Ukaigwe, paid glowing tributes to the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who, according to her, gave approval for the building because of his passion towards taking Nursing and Midwifery to an enviable height in Edo State.
According to her, the transformation of the College and the approval for the new building all point to the fact that the Governor is sensitive to provision of adequate and affordable healthcare to the good people of Edo State, hence his massive investment in the health sector.
On his part, the Managing Director of Public Building and Maintenance Agency, Engr. Austine Osaretin Osakwe, said the establishment of the skill laboratory shows the Governor’s enthusiasm and commitment toward the empowerment and enhancement of youths to equip them with the requisite knowledge and expertise to face with challenges of the 21st century as far as health care is concerned.
According to the MD, the College aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, adding that it will enhance the skills and competence of individuals to contribute to the growth of the health sector in Edo State.
He went on to give details on what the building will be composed of, adding that it will be ready for use by the end of 2023.
The Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Ali, who described the College as world-class, said that investing in education of nurses and midwives is the most crucial aspect of for building a prosperous and healthy society.
According to him, the groundbreaking ceremony is a significant milestone in promoting nursing and healthcare services in Edo State and demonstrates the determination of the State Governor towards making sure that all citizens of Edo have access to quality health toward contributing to a healthy state.
He said the curriculum will be carefully designed to include modern methodologies, practical trainings, evidence-based practices and inter-disciplinary approach to solving health issues.
He promised that his ministry will collaborate with both local and international healthcare institutions to offer the students diverse opportunities to apply their skills and make meaningful impact and will provide the faculty the support to provide the necessary innovation, skills and research and that the dedicated nursing education will he instrumental in shaping the future of nursing and public health in Edo State.
He encouraged the would-be pioneer students of the Department of Public Health Nursing to embrace the opportunity with passion and dedication.
He expressed confidence that “the department will be a beacon of hope and progress in our collective journey towards a healthier and happier nation”.
High-point of the ceremony was the laying of the foundation stone by the Hon. Commissioner for Health.
