By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Public Sanitation and Hygiene has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded at the State College of Health Technology, Akure, charging the institution not to compromise standards in its academic and professional training.
The Committee, led by its Chairman, Dr. Christopher Ogunlana, paid an oversight visit to the college on Wednesday as part of its statutory responsibility to assess developments in the state’s health sector and ensure improved service delivery.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ogunlana lauded the management of the institution for its remarkable strides, especially in programme accreditation, infrastructural development and digital transformation.
He also acknowledged the support of the State Governor, Hon.Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to the growth of the college.
He, however, responded to some challenges ,particularly in the area of infrastructure and road network within the college premises, promising to take up the matter with the authority concern.
The Committee Chairman emphasised the need for uncompromised academic standards, stressing that practical exposure and professionalism are vital in health training.
He cautioned against the habit of students evading fieldwork or obtaining fake recommendation letters, insisting that strict supervision of postings must be maintained to preserve institutions integrity and the quality of its graduates.
In their separate remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Oluwatoyin Japhet, and other members including Primate Messiah Allen commended the institution’s commitment to excellence.
Japhet praised the college for its contributions to the state’s primary healthcare development and pledged legislative support to address its financial and infrastructural needs.
“We all know the importance of primary health care, and this institution plays a central role in that. Your achievements in programme accreditation and expansion are commendable. We will continue to support you through legislation and budgetary provisions,” he assured.
Primate Allen, in his contribution, stressed the need for more public awareness about the college’s programmes, urging the management to embark on more publicity to attract prospective students across the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of the College, Dr. Emoruwa Oluwanbe, expressed appreciation to the lawmakers for their oversight role, describing their visit as a morale booster.
He listed some of the college’s achievements, including the accreditation and reaccreditation of 13 programmes, the introduction of nine new courses, and the digitalisation of administrative processes through a new education portal with an integrated payment gateway to enhance transparency and ease of access.
According to him, the college recently secured accreditation for new programmes such as ND and HND in Community Health, Public Health Technology, Dental Surgery Technology, Disease Control and Epidemiology, and Medical Laboratory Technology, among others.
“We have recorded significant progress within the past one year and a few months of my administration. However, we still face major challenges such as poor internal road networks, inadequate lecture theatres, limited hostel accommodation and insufficient laboratory facilities,” the Provost explained.
Dr. Emoruwa affirmed that the college’s health centre is fully functional and serves both the school community and residents of Akure under the state’s health insurance scheme He added that the institution had enjoyed peace and harmony among staff and students, with no major cases of land encroachment or internal crises.
He also reassured the committee that the college remains committed to upholding the highest academic and ethical standards in the training of health professionals.
“Our students are well supervised during postings and their practical sessions. We partner with accredited facilities and ensure our preceptors are motivated. The College of Health Technology, Akure, remains one of the best in the country, and we will continue to maintain that standard,” he assured.
He appealed to the Assembly Committee to assist in securing more support from the state government to address the infrastructure gaps, noting that the institution’s image is hindered by the deplorable condition of its internal roads.
The oversight visit ended with a tour of the college’s ongoing projects and facilities, where the lawmakers commended the management for their efforts despite limited resources.
The Committee pledged continued legislative advocacy for the development of the institution and the overall improvement of healthcare delivery in Ondo State.