Dave Umahi, the Governor of Ebonyi State, has asked the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to give his state the take-off grant to start the state’s King David University of Medical Sciences Ebonyi.
Umahi, speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to Sunny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, in his office, Abuja, commended him for his service, dedication, and willingness to serve.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had, during a visit to Ebonyi state in May, promised that the Federal Government would take over the university, which happens to be the only University of Medical Sciences in the state.
The Governor told the TETFund Executive Secretary that his administration had spent N80billion on the university
“We are soliciting for take-off fund. That university; we have sunk over N80b in that university. If any other agency does it, I am sure N150 billion cannot do it. I am not boasting about that,” he said.
He also stated that his reason for the visit was to congratulate the Executive Secretary on the new job, which was based on his exemplary job in the country, adding that his appointment as the TETFund boss will bring a huge transformation to the Fund.
“I am here to congratulate my brother on the promotion based on his job for the country and to thank him for his exemplary public service. Whenever you call him, he picks, and it is not because I am governor.” Umahi said.
“Ordinary people are passing through many challenges, and if they can’t get, at least they should get hope the only way they can get hope is when you respond to them because you are answerable to them.”
While responding, the TETFund Executive Secretary commended the governor for the many transformations he has brought to the state.
He described him as a standard bearer for measuring public service.
“I want to boldly say that the executive governor of Ebonyi State is one governor the whole country is proud of,” Echono said. “Seeing the transformation that has taken place in the state. We all know what the state was in yens of its standing, both within the Southeast and even the entire country.”
That’s one of the disadvantaged states in terms of infrastructure and educational facilities. But with the transformation we witnessed under his excellency’s leadership, everybody is taken a cue. It has become a standard bearer for measuring public service and even the delivery of the dividend of democracy as it is captured.”
He added that the president was impressed with the structure put in place by the governor in the new Medical Sciences university, with the provision of world-class infrastructure, which was why the president didn’t hesitate to name the university after the governor.
“He graciously accepted the federal government to take it over, and there was no hesitation in naming it after him to immortalize him to set up an example for other governors to emulate. Our country will grow and develop if people commit themselves to serve the way he has. We remain proud of his service.”
The TETFund boss promised to work with the governor to ensure that the state and the country benefit from the new university.
“We will collaborate with the state government as we want to quickly see that transition. We want to see our work translate into benefits for our people. We know what doctor: patient ratio is.
“We are tired of being on the wrong end of the statistics. We want to produce the right manpower in this country. Reduce the resources we extend annually for medical tourism. By the time we have world calls facilities here, we will be able to treat any ailment and become a hub for foreigners to come here the same way India has. We are poised to do that in the next few years,” he said.
