The Kaduna State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish a post-basic nursing school in Rigasa to enable nursing graduates to advance their education.
The bill was passed after the Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Judiciary, Barnaba Haruna, presented a report that was adopted by the Assembly.
Speaking after the passage of the bill, Haruna, who represents Kachia Constituency, said the proposed institution would allow nursing graduates and other qualified health professionals to pursue further studies without leaving the state.
He said the initiative would address the challenges faced by graduates who travel outside Kaduna to advance their education in health-related fields.
Haruna said Rigasa was chosen because of its large population and the need to expand access to further education for young people interested in healthcare professions.
He added that the committee recommended giving qualified candidates from Kaduna priority in admission while allowing applicants from other states to benefit from the institution.
However, he stressed that admission must be strictly merit-based, with candidates required to meet the prescribed academic qualifications and pass the relevant examinations.
“Who knows who” should not determine admission, he said, emphasising that candidates must be selected based on their academic performance and ability.
The lawmaker urged parents to encourage their children to study nursing and other health-related courses, describing the proposed institution as an opportunity for graduates to advance their careers.
He also encouraged nursing graduates who had completed their initial training to take advantage of the institution once it became operational.
Haruna said the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to healthcare development, noting that Gov. Uba Sani had consistently emphasised the importance of the sector.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly, Mahmud Lawal, said the institution would help address the shortage of qualified nurses and midwives in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
He added that the proposed institution would be the first of its kind in the state and could attract students from other parts of the country.
“The essence of the bill is to establish an institution for post-basic nursing education in Kaduna, particularly in Rigasa, and empower our youths with the necessary qualifications,” he said.
