Prof. Francis Uba, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has called for improved security in the university.
Uba made the call on Friday in Abuja, during a roundtable with the House of Representatives Committee on University Education.
He also called for tighter security in the host communities, following recent attacks in parts of Benue.
The VC urged lawmakers and security agencies to reinforce security around the institution, saying that sustained intervention was needed to guarantee safe teaching, learning and research.
While acknowledging efforts already made to protect the university, he said that the broader security challenges affecting neighbouring communities required sustained action to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Uba said that improved security would prevent a recurrence of attacks, boost confidence, attract investment, partnerships and highly skilled manpower needed to achieve the university’s mandate.
He also appealed for increased funding to accelerate infrastructure development, noting that the university was still operating from a temporary site, while work continued on its permanent campus.
The VC said that adequate facilities and a secure environment were essential to the institution’s vision of becoming a globally competitive university of health sciences.
Responding, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), the Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, assured the VC that the committee would consider the issues raised and provide the necessary legislative support within its mandate.
Fulata, however, urged the university management to ensure prudent and transparent utilisation of available resources.
He directed Uba to submit comprehensive details of the institution’s 2025 and 2026 budget implementation. (NAN)
