By Naomi Sharang

A bill to establish Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State, has scaled second reading in the Senate.

This followed the presentation of the lead debate by the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, during plenary on Wednesday.

Leading the debate, Dandutse said that the bill was read for the first time on Feb. 6.

He said that the bill sought to, among other things, establish the university as a hub for inclusive learning, with particular focus on medical and health sciences.

“The university, when established, is to be located in Funtua, Katsina State.

“The choice of Funtua as the proposed site of the university is deliberate, as it is central and more accessible to neighbouring states like Zamfara, Sokoto and others.

“It is instructive to also note that among the three senatorial districts in Katsina State, Funtua senatorial zone is yet to have a tertiary institution established in it,” he said.

The senator further stated that the establishment of the specialised university would provide opportunities for Nigerians in the North-West zone and other parts of the country to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in the medical field.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the financial support for the institution had already been provided by the governor of Katsina State.

“It means they won’t have issues of facilities and all that. Medical sciences, medical studies can be very costly and medical equipment can also be costly.

“But of course, judging from the preparation, we look forward to the outcome of the training of these children.

“And we pray that they will come out to assist Nigeria and Nigerians and the global community,” Akpabio said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editted by Abdulfatai Beki/’Wale Sadeeq