By Atlantic Reports

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish a Post-Nursing Sciences School in Rigasa, intended to expand access to advanced education for nursing graduates and other qualified health professionals.

The passage followed the adoption of a report presented by Barnaba Haruna, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Judiciary.

The legislative decision advances the proposal but does not establish that the school is operational. The supplied account did not confirm gubernatorial assent, funding or an opening date.

Further Training Closer to Home

Speaking after the bill’s passage, Haruna, who represents Kachia Constituency, said graduates currently faced difficulties travelling outside Kaduna for further studies.

He said the proposed institution would provide a local option and serve the state’s growing population of young people interested in health professions.

Haruna described Rigasa’s large population as a consideration in selecting the location.

For prospective students, studying within the state could reduce the need to relocate. However, the account did not identify the courses, qualifications, fees or clinical training arrangements the institution would offer.

Merit-Based Admissions

Haruna said the committee recommended giving qualified Kaduna candidates priority while allowing applicants from other states.

He stressed that admission should depend on academic qualifications and performance in the required examinations, rather than personal connections.

“Who knows who” should not determine admission, he said.

The account did not explain how state priority would operate alongside merit-based selection or whether detailed admission rules had been developed.

Haruna encouraged parents to support children interested in nursing and other health-related careers. He also urged nursing graduates to consider further training when the school becomes operational.

Building the Health Workforce

Deputy Chief Whip Mahmud Lawal said the proposed institution could help address shortages of qualified nurses and midwives in Kaduna and across Nigeria.

“The essence of the bill is to establish an institution for post-basic nursing education in Kaduna, particularly in Rigasa, and empower our youths with the necessary qualifications,” he said.

Further training could strengthen professional skills, but its contribution to staffing needs will also depend on recruitment, deployment and retention of graduates.

The next steps will require clarity on legal approval, financing, accreditation, staffing and facilities. Those arrangements will determine when the assembly’s proposal becomes an accessible training opportunity.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.