The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards the establishment of the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
A Bill sponsored by Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei was called the first reading stage on the floor of this House presided by Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
Ambaiowei representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa state justified the initiative saying it was aimed at enhancing the training of Nurses and Midwives in the country.
He stated that the proposed legislation is anchored on the fact that there is no Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Bayelsa State at the moment.
Ambaiowei said the bill could not have come at a better time than now to remedy this unfavourable situation to rescue the youth who are being lured into various forms of nefarious activities owing to their inability to gain admission into higher institutions.
Eliciting the support of his colleagues, he noted: “The need to have this specialized College of Nursing and Midwifery will train and produce high-quality healthcare professionals that will contribute to the development of the health sector in Nigeria in the area of research and medical treatment in the State and the entire country.
“This Bill is timely, given that hospitals and Health facilities in our country are suffering deficit in nursing personnel, the establishment of this institution will not only afford employment opportunities to the lecturers who will teach in that College but it will also offer the requisite training Facility/Environment needed to boost, stimulate, nurture and equip Nigerians in modern nursing skills and education.
“I therefore implore you dear Honourable members to support the Second Reading of the Bill which seeks to establish the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.”