In a bid to boost healthcare education in the state, the Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah has flagged off the construction of a 176-bed hostel and academic facilities at the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences Oji River Campus, as well as a 200-bed hostel at the Awgu Campus of the institution..
Performing the groundbreaking ceremonies at both locations on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Health, Dr Yomi Jaye, Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education and healthcare as critical pillars of development.
He disclosed that approval had been granted for the renovation of the administrative block, classrooms, and hostel facilities at the Enugu State College of Health Technology.
Governor Mbah urged host communities in Oji River and Awgu to support contractors handling the projects to ensure timely delivery of the projects, stressing that the goal was to commence academic activities at the Oji River Campus before the end of 2026.
The foundation laying stone ceremony
“We are determined to expand access to quality education and healthcare training. These projects are designed to ensure that we admit the first set of students into the Oji River Campus before the end of 2026,” he said.
He added that the projects must be completed within the stipulated four-month timeline, calling on contractors to adhere strictly to standards and deadlines.
Speaking, the Provost of the College of Health Technology, Oji River, Lazarus Ezeugwu, described the development as a turning point for the institution.
“This project is like fresh blood injected into the College. It will change the narrative of the school and elevate it to an enviable status,” Ezeugwu stated.
Also speaking, the Provost overseeing the Parklane and Awgu Campuses of the College of Nursing Sciences, Peace Anih, commended the state government for what she termed a visionary intervention.
“This is a bold and strategic step towards making Enugu a centre of excellence in nursing education. We are grateful to the government for this intervention,” she said.
Anih assured that the institution’s management would ensure strict monitoring and protection of the facilities to guarantee durability and value for money.
“We will ensure proper supervision and safeguard these projects so that they stand the test of time and deliver maximum value,” she said.
The projects are part of Governor Mbah’s broader reform agenda to position Enugu state as a hub for quality education and healthcare services in Nigeria.
