By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Federal Government on Tuesday officially took over the ownership of King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, pursuant to a presidential promise by President Muhammadu Buhari in May this year.

In a ceremony held at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Tuesday evening, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect was signed.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, said the idea of establishing the university was borne out of the desire to save lives of the people, serve them well and stem medical tourism.

“Apart from the huge revenue we would save from our people traveling abroad, we would be bringing world class medical services home. That way, we are saving the lives of our people and earning foreign exchange from the foreigners coming for treatment,” he explained.

Governor Umahi further explained that the beautiful university environment was beyond what a state could manage, prompting President Buhari who commissioned it in May, to pronounce the takeover by the federal government.

Corroborating what Umahi said, the Minister of Health, Prof. Augustine Ehanire, said the federal government had to take over the university because of its strategic importance to the overall healthcare plans of the federal government.

“The institution is very ready and well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. We have confirmed the standards and we are very excited to be taking it over. I will soon be there to physically take it over,” Prof Ehanire said.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of State for Health, Barr. Joe Ekumankama, the Permanent Secretary and several Directors of the Ministry.

On the side of Ebonyi State were some Commissioners and top government officials.