Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has approved a 100 per cent hazard allowance for medical doctors and other health workers in the state to boost their morale.

The governor announced this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by pioneer medical students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba and leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at the Government House, Lokoja.

Mr Bello’s administration inherited accreditation challenges faced by the pioneer set of medical students under the previous administration.

The governor, consequently, placed the affected students on scholarships in various tertiary institutions across the country to enable them to continue their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

The students, who had completed their MBBS, were accompanied on the courtesy visit by their parents and management of the Abubakar Audu University, led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Ohunene-Tenuche.

The vice chancellor expressed gratitude to the governor for his pivotal role in financing their studies and overall investments in the state’s education sector.

She lauded Mr Bello for his remarkable achievements in education, highlighting that the university is now poised for full accreditation.

According to her, the university offers other programmes such as anatomy, physiology, nursing science, and more.

Dr Olusola Baoku, chairman of the NMA, Kogi chapter, commended Mr Bello for his strides in the state’s health sector.

He acknowledged Kogi as one of the seven states in the federation addressing hazard allowances for medical doctors by 50 per cent payment.

Mr Baoku, who also lauded the improved medical infrastructure provided by Mr Bello’s administration, said: “It’s clear now that Kogi is ready to establish and run a medical college.”

Responding, Mr Bello pledged his commitment to advancing healthcare by using the state’s resources and policies to train medical professionals within and outside the state.

The governor explained that it was to contribute to bridging the manpower gap created by “Japa Syndrome” in the country.

He re-affirmed his administration’s dedication to encouraging professionals to work in a conducive environment within the state.

Mr Bello also announced that the 100 per cent hazard allowance for medical doctors and health workers in the state was with immediate effect.

The governor, who was accompanied by the governor-elect, Usman Ododo, assured continued improvements across all economic sectors in Kogi, particularly in healthcare delivery.

(NAN)