The sum of N16.6 billion has been allocated for the smooth take-off of the newly established Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State.
The move is expected to boost medical education and expand access to quality healthcare training in the North-West region and Katsina State in particular.
The Senator representing Funtua Senatorial District, Muntari Muhammad Dandutse, announced this while addressing journalists in Katsina.
He revealed that the Katsina State government has already committed over N3 billion to support the take-off of the institution, while the federal government, through the 2025 budget, has allocated N5.7 billion for capital projects, TETFund has provided a take-off grant of N5billion and 2.9 billion has been earmarked for regular interventions to ensure the university’s smooth operation.
The Senator, who also serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, expressed his delight at the progress made so far, adding that the university was expected to begin operations by September this year, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of medical education in the region.
Senator Dandutse, therefore, stressed the importance of the university in bridging the gap in healthcare education, not only for Katsina State but for the entire North-West region and Nigeria as a whole.
He pointed out that Funtua’s strategic location connecting major States like Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa, makes the university accessible to students from different parts of the country.
With the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and a Governing Council already in place, efforts were now focused on the recruitment of staff to commence academic activities.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Senator Dandutse spoke passionately about his achievements beyond the university project.
He highlighted his efforts in developing key infrastructure, including the construction of Police Area Command in Malumfashi, libraries, dams, skills acquisition centres, and secondary schools.
He also ensured that solar streetlights were installed in all 117 polling units of his senatorial district, improving security and accessibility in rural areas.
His commitment to empowering young people and job seekers was also evident in his PoS program, which provided business opportunities to 400 unemployed youths.
Additionally, 300 individuals received N100,000 each to start fish farming, offering them a sustainable source of income.
Many constituents also benefited from the distribution of vehicles and motorcycles, aimed at improving transportation and mobility for small business owners and community leaders.
