Lagos State House of Assembly through its Joint committee on Education Tertiary Institutions and Health Services and Primary Healthcare held a-day Public Hearing on University of Medicine and Health Science Bill, 2024.
The bill seeks to provide for the Establishment and Constitution of the University of Medicine and Health Science as an independent university, separating the College of Medicine from Lagos State University.
The Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Ajani Owolabi, Chairman, Committee on Education, Tertiary Institutions in his welcome address stated that the proposed bill intends to train medical and health professionals and as well promote hedge search and expand access to higher education.
“The proposed bill will provide a robust governance system including the Governing Council, Senate, Congregation and Convocation, while the Governor of the State is designated as the visitor, ensuring accountability and alignment with State priorities.”
In addition, the University will award degrees and distinctions in Medicine and allied health fields with a merit-driven admission policy and as well ensure a smooth transition from current students and staff of the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Protecting their rights and academic projection.
Giving an insight on the proposed bill, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu explained that the bill which has 54 Sections and 5 parts is desirous of establishing a specialized university of medicine with the primary vision to train world class healthcare workers who will feed the healthcare sector of the State and beyond.He explained that the proposed bill focuses solely on specific subsectors and aims to respond to the looming crisis of brain drain and also address new challenges. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa is ably represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda in her submission noted that the bill has passed earlier critical stages and it is close to becoming a Law of Lagos State. She further noted that presently, there are only two specialized universities of medicine in Nigeria and they are privately owned.
“The bill seeks to bring standardization in the teaching of modern medicine.”This House will not pass a Law without actively seeking inputs from critical stakeholders in all the relevant sectors and Lagosians at large”. She added.Some key stakeholders made contributions on the proposed bill.
Giving his contributions, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that the Executive Council and Cabinet of Lagos State under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the problem of human resource needs for health deficit in Lagos and Nigeria at large.”We recognize that it is a huge responsibility for us to address the deficit in the health care professionals”.
Lending his voice, the commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Mr. Tolani Sule stated that today’s deliberation is not about the passage of the bill, it is about laying a foundation for a transformative institution that will define how we train, empower and deploy medical and health professionals not only for Lagos State but for Nigeria and wider world.
He added that the proposed university is a strategic upgrade of the existing Lagos State University College of Medicine which is one of the proudest academic Institutions in the State. However, this transformation is far more than a change in nomenclature, it is a visionary realignment with the global best practices designed to expand the scope, depth and reach of medical education in Lagos State.
“This university will significantly expand our capacity to train not only all doctors but nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapist, biochemical and bio medical scientists and other essential health professionals who are critical to the sustainability of our health system”. This will as well enhance our research capabilities, attract international collaborations and strengthen the pipeline of skilled health workers.
Emeritus Prof. Olufemi Bamiro stated that the State can establish a university under a concurrent situation however, there is a laid down procedure which must be followed.Following the contributions, the co-chairman of the Joint committee, Hon. Lawal Musibau assured that all contributions would be factored in the final draft of the bill.
For further submission of memoranda, stakeholders are enjoined to submit a soft copy to the committee’s email: tertiaryeducationcommittee@lagoshouseofassembly.gov.ng or submit a hard copy to the Office of the Clerk of the House within Seven days.