By YUSUF ABUBAKAR

A former National President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association For Professional Bodies (APBN), and immediate past Commissioner for Health, Kogi State, Dr Omede Idris, says the new College of Medicine in CUSTECH Osara will amount to duplication of efforts by the state government.

He suggested that the state government should rather than give more attention to the existing one in Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba.

Dr Idris, who was reacting to the submission of report for the establishment of a new College of Medicine in the new institution, said it is unprofitable and needless for the state to run same programme in two of its institutions and even politically inexpedient.

His words: “What happened to the College of Medicine in Prince Abubakar Audu University and the University Teaching Hospital at Anyigba?

“This is a cause for major concern by key players in the progress of Kogi state. What becomes of the students there? Can the state rightly embark on two university projects or intent is for one to go into attrition as a result of government disinterest in PAAU courses?

“We, as citizens, ask questions to get answer; that is the responsibility of government to the people. Singing praises for this type of affront is inhumane, calamitous and self-serving. It is also quite unfortunate, sad and distasteful.”

The former commissioner called for restraint from the state government over its decision, saying running similar programs in two state institutions is economically and professionally unviable.

“In sane climes, a new University should embark on non-existent courses in an existing university. The reverse is the case here.

“Truly, can the Kogi State government manage and finance two state owned Universities? Won’t it be another process in putting unsuspecting students and parents in perpetual limbo of accreditation challenges.

“Without much ado, this is an anathema in our nation. Not even heavily financially and economically endowed states in Nigeria have dared that.

“Here is where a ‘stitch in time does not save nine’. We won’t just continue to watch this disservice to the state and the people,” he said.

Dr Idris asked the Kogi State Government to rescind its decision in the interest of good governance, prudent management of state resources.

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