There were wild jubilations on Monday, 21 June 2021 when the Federal government had announced the approval of five new Universities to be located in Bauchi, Osun, Jigawa, and Akwa Ibom. Bauchi located in the Northeast, has a poor record in terms of western education and literacy. It beats the imagination of Katagum, Azare, Bauchi state, for the choice of their community at a time the Nigerian government is grappling with unprecedented security challenges. The decision of the Federal Government to initiate a significant project of this magnitude, much less is exciting. Indeed, we were overcome by boundless joy. President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu deserve commendation for considering Bauchi State worthy of such important project.
No doubt, “there’s huge gap in the doctor- patient ratio as well as in medical research and production of pharmaceutical products all over the country.” According to federal permanent secretary, ministry of Education. Perhaps With the new development, we will quickly attend to those challenges which should certainly fizzle out as the new institutions are expected to become efficient and effective in the country.
However, the developmental strides cannot be over- emphasized. It will help in creating job opportunities especially at this time of economic turmoil, developing problems solving skills in health and related courses, improving the economy of the state and creating competitions which would decrease the society’s poverty rates. Being able to apply the knowledge wisely in our daily lives comes with positive impact in the society and decreases foreign health tourism in the nation.
Certainly, Bauchi state has one of the highest health challenges in the country, and with the establishment of the university in Health, Nutrition and Medical Sciences the huge gap will be bridged. It’s our hope that the institution would serve as a reference point of solving health challenges in the state in particular and the country in general.
There was a glimmer of hope which brightened the mood of our people, when federal government made a right decision to approval of N5 billion take-off grant. This singular act will change the economic activities of the areas and create employment opportunities for the teeming population.
The insecurity challenges in the northeast is related to backwardness in Western education. We believe that with the latest development, the story would be different. Boundless opportunities now exist which include improving the living standards of our people, reducing crime rates, thereby attracting foreign research and development.
We will continue to be grateful to this administration. In fact, this is one of the greatest achievements of Buhari administration. Establishing a world class institution that could stand the taste of time is worthy of praise. We hope this will be a golden opportunity to attract the best brains from all over the world. What’s expected most in the African continent is a research hub where research activities will be done in order to solve complex problems that bedevil humanity. It will be a focal point of learning which attracts positive development strides in all facets.
Lastly, I will like to appeal the government of the federation to appoint competent hands to pilot the affairs of the new institution. A solid foundation should be put in place to make them reference point all over the world.
Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmud street, kasuwar kaji Azare, Bauchi State.
