Umahi solicits take-off grant for Medical Varsity

Governor Dave Umahi of of Ebonyi state has solicited take off grant for the King David University of Medical Sciences, Ebonyi.

He made the request on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFund), Arch. Sonny Echono.

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He said: “We are soliciting for take off fund. That university; we have sunk over N80b in that university. If it is done by any other agency, I am sure that N150bn cannot do it.”

While commending Tetfund boss for his service and dedication and willingness to serve, Umahi said part of his reason for the visit was to congratulate the executive secretary for the new job which was based on his exemplary job to the country.

He said his appointment as the TETFund boss would bring huge transformation to the Fund.

He however, urged Echono to do everything he can to fast track projects because of the issue of prices in the market, adding that he has started to address that and he is happy about that.

“I am also here to thank him for the work he is doing in the new seven universities, which one is in my state. The President graciously named the university after me. I am here to say thank you to him.”

Responding, the executive secretary commended the governor for the many transformation he has brought to the state, adding the governor had become a standard bearer for measuring public service.

“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 that we witnessed under the leadership of his excellency, 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 said.

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 not hesitate to name the university after the governor.

The TETFund Boss promised to work with the governor to ensure that the state as well as the country benefit from the new university.

“We will be collaborating with the state government as we want to quickly see that transition. We want to see our work translate into benefits to our people. We know what doctor: patient ration is. We are tired of being in 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,” he added.