Stephen Nwamkpuma, the provost of Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology, Ngbo, says the school is now fully accredited while announcing the introduction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations in the institution, aligning with national academic standards.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abakaliki, Elder Nwamkpuma outlined key milestones achieved by the college under his leadership, including the full accreditation of its core academic programmes and infrastructural improvements.
Tracing the evolution of the college from its establishment in 2007, the Provost identified 2019 as a turning point in the institution’s history. He recalled that the college had operated without legal backing until a bill formally establishing it was signed into law in May 2019 a feat made possible through the efforts of the then Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, now Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
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“Before 2019, we lacked legal status. I assumed office as Provost in February of that year, and by May, the law establishing the college was signed. That singular act enabled us to secure accreditation from relevant regulatory bodies,” he said.
According to Nwamkpuma, between December 2024 and June 2025, the institution received full accreditation for three key programmes: Community Health, Environmental Health, and Health Information Management.
He credited the successes to the unwavering support of Governor Nwifuru and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma. “We are fortunate to have an education-friendly governor. His support in infrastructure and staffing made our accreditation possible,” he noted.
The Provost also highlighted several infrastructure upgrades, including the renovation of student hostels with improved water supply, construction of an access road to the college, and the installation of a new main gate.
On student welfare, he said the institution has moved away from a caretaker model of student leadership to a fully functional student union system, which has run smoothly for three academic sessions.
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Despite the progress, Nwamkpuma appealed for additional support. “We still need a bus, a befitting auditorium, and expanded laboratory facilities to meet the demands of our growing student population,” he said.
He reassured the public of students’ safety, noting that local stakeholders and the council chairman are working with the school to ensure a secure learning environment, despite the institution’s open boundaries.
Addressing allegations of employment bias, the Provost clarified that the college does not directly employ staff. “All appointments follow the civil service recruitment process,” he stated.
He concluded with a call to action, urging NGOs, public-spirited individuals, and the federal government to support the institution’s mission of training competent health professionals for Ebonyi State and the nation at large.
