…as College matriculates 433 students, celebrates 60th Anniversary
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, alongside Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal on Wednesday commissioned the newly reconstructed Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), which has been modernized to meet global standards, The Nigerian Observer reports.
The event was a 3-in-1 celebration comprising the official commissioning of the institution, a matriculation ceremony for new students, and the 60th anniversary of the college.
Speaking at the event, Governor Obaseki highlighted his administration’s achievements in healthcare sector over the past eight years, noting that all healthcare institutions in the State have been revamped to build a resilient system capable of serving the health needs of Edo residents.
In his address, Governor Obaseki said he “had no regrets bringing down the Central Hospital”.
Obaseki explained that the decision allowed for the development of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the State, which have since expanded significantly.
“Today, over 10 Primary Healthcare Centers serve the population previously reliant on the Central Hospital,” he said, citing improvements in Oredo, Amagba, Evbotubu, and other areas.
Reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Obaseki said, “The pandemic exposed the poor state of our healthcare system, not only in Edo but in Nigeria.
“It outlined the need for a robust healthcare system focused on infrastructure and critically on people—professionals who are well-trained to deliver quality care”.
The Governor acknowledged that before these improvements, critical institutions like the School of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences and Technology were shut down due to a lack of accreditation. He emphasized that with about 200 wards in Edo State, achieving comprehensive healthcare requires a minimum of 2,000 healthcare workers, and the newly revitalized institutions are now able to train these professionals.
Governor Lawal of Zamfara State praised Obaseki’s dedication to uplifting healthcare training, and urged the institution’s management to consider a student exchange program with health schools in Zamfara.
Following the commissioning, the matriculation ceremony welcomed a total of 433 students into the following programs: National Diploma in Epidemiology and Disease Control – 39 students; National Diploma in Environmental Health – 31 students; National Diploma in Community Health – 74 students; National Diploma in Health Information Management – 25 students and National Diploma in Public Health Technology – 7 students.
Others are Certificate in Community Health Extension Work (CHEW) – 86 students; Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW) Conversion to CHEW – 38 students; Medical Laboratory Technician Certificate – 64 students and Certificate in Pharmacy Technician – 76 students.
This milestone marks Edo State’s commitment to building a capable and well-trained healthcare workforce to serve its communities effectively.
Other distinguished attendees include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Chairman of the Edo PDP, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Honourable Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi Isibor, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq. and the administrative Heads of the College, among others.
