Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has asked the graduating students of the State College of Health Technology, Offa to make significant contributions to the nation’s healthcare sector, adding that his administration remains committed to improving the quality of education in the state, particularly in critical sectors like health.
He said: “This administration remains committed to improving the quality of education in our state, particularly in critical sectors like health. These projects we commissioned today are a testament to our resolve to create an environment conducive to learning and professional development.”
The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde,
urged the graduating students to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and determination, adding that the knowledge and skills they have acquired “are not just for your benefit but for the betterment of our communities and state. Serve with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.”
The Governor meanwhile inaugurated different projects at the school, including 450m asphalt-based road; 30-room female hostel; College Store; Department of Dispensing Opticianry Laboratory and Clinic; Basic Science Laboratory; Biomedical Workshop and Electronic Laboratory; 300-capacity ICT hall; and two blocks of 4-classroom for Higher National Diploma students.
The Governor noted that the administration’s investments in Kwara State Health Technology Offa are not a waste as the government is proud of the institution.
“I am very glad to inaugurate all these projects. Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa was established in 1976. From what we saw this morning, our investment has made this institution look like a mini-hospital. Graduates from this institution fill the gap in the health sector, especially in rural communities. They will serve as an intermediary between patients and healthcare providers,” he said.
The combined maiden convocation was attended by the Executive Chairman Federal Character Commission Dr Muheebah Dankaka; Commissioner for Social Development Olaitan Buraimoh; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters Femi Agbaje; traditional rulers; top government officials; and National President Alumni Association of Kwara State College of Health Technology Offa Prof. Ibrahim Afonja.
On his part, the Provost of the College, Dr. AbdulRauf Aliyu, who applauded Governor AbdulRazaq and his team for the support and investment in the institution, said the school has produced over 60,000 health personnel, and now runs 22 courses.
He said; “Kwara State Health Technology Offa was established in 1976 following the directive of the then Federal government of Nigeria that all the then state governments should establish at least a school of health technology in their respective states.
“The main objective behind the directive was to produce middle-level manpower to man different positions in the primary health sectors.
“Since its inception, Kwara State College of Health Technology Offa has never failed in that direction. Over 60,000 health personnel have been produced over the years, and these people have been serving within the country and even beyond. I want to say with emphasis that there is hardly a health facility in Nigeria where our products would not be found.”