The bill to establish the Labe College of Nursing Science in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, has passed its second reading at the State Assembly.
During Tuesday’s plenary in Makurdi, Majority Leader Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) described the institution as 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 from Nigeria between 2022 and 2024 to countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Dugeri noted that the mass migration created significant shortfalls in the national nursing workforce, leaving thousands of clinical positions vacant and increasing pressure on remaining personnel. He warned that the shortage posed a particular risk to maternal and reproductive healthcare, an area in which Nigeria already records some of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates.
He 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.
“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,” Dugeri said.
Mr. Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala) seconded the motion and commended the Catholic Diocese of Gboko for immortalizing Pharm. Ternenge Labe, who provided medical care to residents regardless of their financial status. Ipusu noted that establishing additional nursing schools would bring enormous benefits to the state and pledged full support for the bill’s progression.
Mr. 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, Dr. Bem Mela, read the bill for the second time, and Speaker Mr. Alfred Emberga referred it to the Standing Committee on Health and Human Services for detailed legislative scrutiny. 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.
