Lawmakers in Cross River State have commenced deliberations on a bill aimed at transforming the College of Health Technology into a College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology.
The Cross River State House of Assembly, through its Joint Committee on Education and Health, Nutrition and Food Security, convened a public hearing to gather input from relevant stakeholders. Those in attendance included officials from the Ministries of Education, Health and Justice, college management, civil society organisations, and other concerned groups.
Leading discussions at the event, Hon. Martins Achadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, stated that the bill seeks to repeal the existing law establishing the College of Health Technology. He explained that the new framework is designed to upgrade the institution to polytechnic status, allowing it to operate within broader academic and professional standards.
According to Achadu, the upgrade will open doors for expanded academic programmes, improved infrastructure, and access to national intervention funds.
Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong, Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly and sponsor of the bill, said the reform is intended to reposition the institution for greater impact in the health sector. He noted that the change would strengthen manpower development and reduce unemployment by enabling the award of higher qualifications.
Providing further insight, the Provost, Dr Ita Ikpeme, disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education had identified weaknesses in the current law. He explained that the college’s inability to access TETFund and comply fully with provisions of the Polytechnic Act has limited its growth and accreditation process.
While most stakeholders endorsed the proposal, some emphasised the importance of sustained funding, upgraded facilities, and staff capacity building to guarantee the success of the transition.
The hearing represents a statutory requirement in the lawmaking process, paving the way for further legislative consideration of the bill.