Former National President, Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA), Association For Professional Bodies APBN, and immediate past Commissioner for Health Kogi state, Dr Omede Idris says the new College of Medicine in CUSTECH Osara will amount to duplication of efforts by the State government, rather than given more desired attention to the existing one in Prince Abubakar Audu University PAAU, Anyigba.
Dr Omede reacted on the submission of report towards the establishment of a new College of Medicine in the new institution, saying it will have accreditation challenges.
He says it’s unprofitable and needless for the State to run same programme in two of its institutions and even politically inexpedient.
“What happens to the college of Medicine in Prince Abubakar Audu University ( PAAU or KSU) and the University Teaching Hospital at Anyigba?
“This is a cause for major concern by key players in the progress of Kogi state. What becomes of the students there.
“Can the State rightly embark on two University projects or intent is for one to go into attrition as a result of government disinterest in PAAU courses.
“We ask questions to get answer, that is the responsibility of government to the people.
“Singing praises for this type of affront is inhumane and calamitous and self serving. Quite unfortunate, sad and distasteful.
The former Commissioner for Health called for restraint from the State government over its decision, saying running similar programmes in two State institutions is economically and profesionally not viable.
“In sane climes, a new University should embark on non existent courses in existing University. The reverse is the case here.’
Truly, can Kogi State government, manage and finance two State government owned Universities, or it’s another processes in putting unsuspecting students and parents in perpetual limbo of accreditation challenges.
“Without much ado, this is an anathema in our nation. Not even heavily financially and economically endowed states in Nigeria have dared that.
“Kogi State, this is unfair. Here is where a “stitch in time does not save nine”. We won’t just continue to watch this disservice to the State and the people.
Dr Omede Idris asked the Kogi state government to rescind its decision in the interest of good governance, prudent management of State resources.
