Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Teaching Hospital.
Governor Bago gave the assurance while receiving 41 medical students of IBBU, Lapai, who have been admitted on a special arrangement to undertake their clinical training at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
He described the project as critical to strengthening medical education and healthcare delivery in the state.
The governor said the completion of the teaching hospital would provide the necessary infrastructure for clinical training within the state and further enhance the teaching of medicine and other health-related courses at the university.
Congratulating the students on reaching a significant milestone in their academic journey, Governor Bago described their admission for clinical training as the beginning of a new phase in their pursuit of becoming medical professionals.
He assured them of the state government’s continued support, urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and serve as worthy ambassadors of Niger State wherever they find themselves.
As part of the state’s support, Governor Bago announced a grant of ₦2 million each to the 41 students to assist with their academic and living expenses.
He also donated an 18-seater bus to ease their transportation between their accommodation and lecture theatres during their clinical training in Zaria.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to the development of the health sector, particularly medical education, and pledged the ministry’s continued support in achieving the administration’s healthcare objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the pioneer President of the IBBU Lapai Medical Students Association, Jamilu Mikhail, expressed gratitude to Bago for introducing medical education at the university and for the consistent support that has enabled them to pursue their dream of becoming medical doctors.
He assured the governor that upon completing their studies, the students would return to Niger State to contribute their quota to improving healthcare services and addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the state.
