The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has promised the construction of standard hostels, medical clinic and the payment of monthly subventions to the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah.
The Governor did this while holding a Townhall meeting with the staff and students of the institution during an inspection tour of projects and institutions in the Eastern Senatorial Zone of the state on Monday, July 10.
Bello also promised the students a school bus and the payment of bursaries to every student, irrespective of their state of origin. He also said his administration would immediately release the sum of N8 million for the accreditation of the courses in the school and the additional funds required to pay the staff their recommended salaries.
The Provost of the school, Solomon Nuhu Anyegwu, had earlier asked that the staff of the school, who are yet to be cleared by the state government be forgiven and paid their entitlements. He also pleaded that laboratories be built for the school to be properly accredited for certain courses.
Joel Anedo, the Student Union President, requested that the challenges of erosion in the school compound be tackled, while a plea was made for better security on the campus.
Immediately after the meeting, Bello was conducted around the school where he saw the terrible state of its facilities and reiterated his desire to upgrade them without delay.
Before then, the governor was at the General Hospital, Idah, where he announced the upgrading of the facility to an Upper Zonal Hopsital status. He also said the health outreach and free surgeries would become a monthly feature of the administration.
On his way back to Lokoja, the governor inspected the 38km Umomi/Ugwolawo/Ajaka/Idah Expressway Project, where he expresaed satisfaction with the level and speed of work. He assured the people that the projects will be well funded until they are fully completed and commissioned.
Before the tour kicked off, Bello was at the palace of the Attah of Igala, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni, to explain his rationale for the inspection tour. The royal father subsequently accompanied the governor on the tour.
The inspection tour continues today, July 11 with a visit to the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyingba, and the College of Education, Ankpa.