Senate Approves 2nd Reading of University Hospitals Bill

Senator Abba Moro (PDP-Benue)

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill to amend the University Teaching Hospitals and Reconstitution of Boards Act 2005, following a presentation of its general principles on Tuesday.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Abba Moro (PDP-Benue), seeks to include the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo Teaching Hospital in the Act.

Moro emphasised that the teaching hospital, already operational, is crucial for training skilled healthcare professionals to meet Nigeria’s medical needs. He noted that, under Section 10 of the National Health Act 2014, teaching hospitals require legal backing from an Act of the National Assembly.

Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) supported the bill, highlighting that medical colleges without affiliated teaching hospitals cannot adequately train students for clinical practice.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions for further review, with a report expected in four weeks.

Akpabio commended lawmakers for their contributions, noting that the amendment ensures the legal recognition of the Otukpo Teaching Hospital and aligns it with national standards for medical education.