Imo Assembly urges Uzodinma to approve establishment of college of nursing, midwifery in Nkwere
The Imo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodinma to approve the establishment of Imo State College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Umudi, Nkwerre LGA, as an independent State-owned professional institution.
The House also asked the state government to integrate a Department of Autism and Special Needs Studies into the new College to ensure specialized training and research in the neglected critical area.
The House reached the resolutions while deliberating on a motion moved by the member representing Nkwerre Constituency, Nze Chisom Ojukwu and supported by 14 other Lawmakers as co-sponsors.
Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, Ojukwu said the existing schools of nursing and midwifery in the state are not sufficient to absorb the rising number of qualified applicants seeking admission every year.
He disclosed that the former NYSC Orientation Camp at Umudi in Nkwerre Local Government Area is presently underutilized, despite having vast land, durable structures, and a strategic location suitable for conversion into an academic institution.
The Lawmaker was optimistic that establishing a new, independent Imo State College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery at Umudi will expand access to professional training, improve healthcare, manpower development, and maximize the use of existing State assets, adding that the inclusion of a dedicated Department of Autism and Special Needs Studies will position the State as a pioneer in addressing underserved area of healthcare education, attract partnerships, and provide specialized training and services to vulnerable populations.
The House after much deliberations on the motion, urged government to direct the Commissioners of Education and Health to undertake an immediate feasibility and needs assessment of the Umudi site and submit a comprehensive report to the State Executive Council and to provide adequate funding for rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing structures at Umudi to meet modern academic, clinical, and research standards.
It also called on the government to mandate collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and other relevant special-needs accreditation bodies to secure full approval, accreditation, and long-term sustainability of the college.