We’ve produced over 60,000 graduates: Offa Health Tech
Dr. AbdulRauf Aliyu, the Provost of the Kwara State Health Technology, Offa, has disclosed that the school had produced over 60,000 health personnel and now runs 22 courses since its inception in 1976.
The Provost made this known during the combined maiden convocation of the college.
According to him, Kwara State Health Technology, Offa, was established in 1976 following the directive of the then Federal Government of Nigeria that all the then-state governments should establish at least a school of health technology in their respective states.
The Provost, while commending the AbdulRazaq-led Kwara State Government for the support and investment in the institution, also noted that the main objective behind the federal government’s directive was to produce middle-level manpower to man different positions in the primary health sectors.
He said, “Since its inception, Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, has never failed in that direction. Over 60,000 health personnel have been produced over the years, and these people have been serving within the country and even beyond. I want to say with emphasis that there is hardly a health facility in Nigeria where our products would not be found”.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, led other dignitaries at the venue to inaugurate different projects in the college.
The projects include 450 metres asphalt-based road; a 30-room female hostel; a College Store; a Department of Dispensing Opticianry Laboratory and Clinic; a Basic Science Laboratory; a Biomedical Workshop and Electronic Laboratory; a 300-capacity ICT hall; and two blocks of 4-classroom for Higher National Diploma students were inaugurated at the school campus, along Ojoku road, Offa, Kwara State.
The governor, while speaking at the ceremony, also charged the students to make significant contributions to the nation’s healthcare sector, saying his administration remained committed to improving the quality of education in the state, particularly in critical sectors like health.
He said, “I congratulate you on your hard-earned success. Your dedication and perseverance have brought you to this moment, and I do not doubt that you will go on to make significant contributions to our healthcare sector”.
“You are the future of health care delivery in Kwara State, and we are incredibly proud of you.
“This administration remains committed to improving the quality of education in our state, particularly in critical sectors like health. These projects we commissioned today are a testament to our resolve to create an environment conducive to learning and professional development”.
“As you step into the next phase of your journey, I urge you to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and determination. The knowledge and skills you have acquired here are not just for your benefit but for the betterment of our communities and state. Serve with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility”, he added.
He also disclosed that his administration’s investments in the Kwara State Health Technology Offa are not a waste as the government is proud of the institution.
“I am very glad to inaugurate all these projects. Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, was established in 1976. From what we saw this morning, our investment has made this institution look like a mini-hospital. Graduates from this institution fill the gap in the health sector, especially in rural communities. They will serve as an intermediary between patients and healthcare providers”, he said.
The combined maiden convocation was attended by the Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheebah Dankaka; Commissioner for Social Development, Olaitan Buraimoh; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Femi Agbaje; traditional rulers; top government officials; and the National President, Alumni Association of Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, Prof. Ibrahim Afonja, among others.
