Katsina spends N2b on health sciences varsity

Katsina state Governor Dikko umar Radda — Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda

Katsina State Government said that it has invested over N2 billion on infrastructure to ensure the smooth take off of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, by September.

Radda made the disclosure while hosting officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, led by Hajiya Rakiya Gambo, Director, Universities Education, for an assessment visit, on Friday.

“When I first learnt that this university was initially planned for Katsina, I was deeply concerned.

“In Katsina Senatorial District alone, we already have three universities—Umaru Musa Yar’adua University and Al-Qalam University, all in Katsina; as well as, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma; however, the entire Funtua Zone has no single university.

“Recognising that Funtua is geographically central to the North-West zone, making it accessible to states like Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Jigawa, and Kaduna.

“I strongly advocated the relocation of the university to Funtua,” he said.

Radda stated that the state government immediately commenced proactive measures to ensure the smooth take off of the institution.

“We did not wait for the Federal Government to begin construction. Instead, we allocated a Secondary School for immediate use and invested over ₦2 billion on renovations.

“We also acquired an additional 50 hectares of land, for which, compensation had been paid,” he said.

Radda revealed that the government was now working tirelessly to ensure that students’ admissions begin by September.

“I have directed the contractors to complete all the necessary infrastructure by June to allow sufficient time for academic preparations,” he said.

The Governor, who expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Education for its support, also acknowledged the Funtua community’s contributions, including the provision of accommodation for the staffers.

Earlier, Gambo, who also doubled as the Team Lead for the university’s assessment, commended Radda’s exceptional commitment to the project.

“We had visited numerous institutions that were established in a similar manner, but this is one of the few where we have seen a governor so passionate about ensuring its success.

“Your decision to allocate land, provide funding, and ensure infrastructure development has set a precedent that will be remembered for by generations,” she said.

The dignitaries that accompanied the director included Sen. Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South, Mr Shamsu Sule, a member in the North-West Development Commission and the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bello Bala-Shehu, among others.