The Benue State House of Assembly (BNSHOA) House Committee on Health and Human Services has paid a productive familiarization visit to the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences (BSCONS), Makurdi.
The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for members of the committee to interact directly with the college's management, staff, and students, gain first-hand insight into ongoing operations, infrastructure, academic programmes, and challenges facing the institution. It also allowed the lawmakers to assess progress made since the college's establishment and recent milestones, including full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for its National Diploma (ND) Nursing programme.
Led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with Acting Provost Nr. Victoria Gusa and other principal officers. Key highlights included tours of lecture halls, skills laboratories, library facilities, administrative blocks, and clinical training areas. The committee commended the college's dedication to producing competent, ethical, and globally competitive nursing professionals amid resource constraints.
The lawmakers reaffirmed the House's commitment to supporting nursing education in Benue State through appropriate legislative oversight, budgetary advocacy, policy interventions, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. They emphasized the critical role of BSCONS in addressing healthcare manpower shortages, improving maternal and child health outcomes, and contributing to the overall development of the health sector in the state.
In her remarks, Acting Provost Nr. Victoria Gusa expressed appreciation to the committee for the visit, describing it as a morale booster and a demonstration of the Assembly's interest in the growth of health training institutions. She highlighted recent achievements such as infrastructural upgrades, curriculum enhancements, and successful NBTE accreditation and solicited continued partnership to fast-track full collegiate status, expansion of programmes (including potential Higher National Diploma offerings), and improved staff welfare.
The Management of BSCONS remains deeply grateful to His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, for his unwavering support to the college, and to the Benue State House of Assembly for its oversight role in ensuring quality health education.
This familiarization visit aligns with broader efforts by the state government to strengthen institutions that produce skilled healthcare workers, in line with the administration's priority on human capital development and accessible quality healthcare for all Benue citizens.
About Benue State College of Nursing Sciences (BSCONS), Makurdi
BSCONS is a flagship institution committed to excellence in nursing and midwifery education. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and strong clinical partnerships (including with Benue State University Teaching Hospital), the college trains nurses who uphold professionalism, compassion, and innovation to serve communities effectively.