The bill seeking to establish the Labe College of Nursing Science in Gboko Local Government, Benue State, has passed its second reading at the state assembly.

During plenary on Tuesday in Makurdi, Majority Leader Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) said the institution was crucial to addressing Nigeria’s worsening shortage of trained nurses.

He cited National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showing that about 42,000 nurses migrated out of Nigeria between 2022 and 2024 to countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Saudi Arabia.

Mr Dugeri noted that the mass migration created significant shortfalls in the national nursing workforce, leaving thousands of clinical positions vacant and increasing pressure on the remaining personnel in the healthcare system.

He warned that the shortage was particularly dangerous for maternal and reproductive healthcare, an area where Nigeria already recorded some of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates.

Mr Dugeri explained that establishing Labe College of Nursing Science would complement existing initiatives, such as the Benue State College of Nursing Science and graduate nurse training at Father Adasu University College of Health Sciences.

He said, “The proposed college will provide more opportunities for high school leavers who wish to pursue careers in nursing and midwifery. It will help ensure a steady supply of registered nurses and midwives in Benue.’’

Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) seconded and commended the Catholic Diocese of Gboko for immortalising Ternenge Labe, who provided medical care to residents regardless of financial status.

Mr Ipusu said establishing additional schools of nursing would have enormous benefits for the state and pledged full support for the bill’s progression in the assembly.

Also contributing, Abu Umoru, (PDP/APA), urged the state government to provide financial support, noting that adequate funding would ensure the institution’s success and long-term impact on healthcare delivery.

After the debate, the Clerk of the House, Bem Mela, read the bill for the second time, and Speaker Alfred Emberga referred it to the Standing Committee on Health and Human Services for detailed legislative scrutiny.

Mr Emberga instructed the committee to review the bill thoroughly and present its findings and recommendations to the House for further consideration and potential passage into law. 

(NAN)