By Ibrahim A Jombali
For decades, the Kebbi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega, stood as a respected but under-supported institution, producing health workers who quietly sustained healthcare delivery across the state. Today, that narrative is changing dramatically. Under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, the college is experiencing what can best be described as a renaissance—one that has culminated in national recognition through the accreditation of seven professional programmes.
The significance of this achievement extends beyond institutional prestige. It represents a strategic investment in human capital development, healthcare workforce expansion, and educational advancement in Kebbi State.
During a recent visit by the Kebbi State Media Team led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, the Provost of the College, Alhaji Hussaini Aliyu, unveiled the remarkable transformation that has taken place within the institution.
According to the Provost, the breakthrough was made possible through the deliberate intervention of Governor Nasir Idris, whose administration provided the financial backing and political support necessary to secure accreditation for key National Diploma programmes. The accredited courses—Community Health, Health Education and Promotion, Health Information Management, Public Health, Environmental Health Technology, Medical Science Laboratory Technology, and Institutional Programme—have now positioned the college firmly within Nigeria’s mainstream tertiary education system.
For an institution established in the 1970s, the development is particularly historic. As the Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Magaji Abdullahi Bunza, noted, despite decades of operation and immense contributions to healthcare manpower development, the college had never previously secured accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) until the coming of the Kauran Gwandu administration.
That reality underscores the magnitude of the accomplishment.
Beyond accreditation, the transformation is visible in the physical landscape of the institution. The administration has overseen the renovation of male and female hostels, upgraded perimeter security, constructed a befitting entrance gate, rehabilitated the ICT Centre, and provided six functional boreholes, including three powered by solar energy. A new 36-seater bus has also enhanced mobility for academic and administrative activities.
Equally significant are the improvements in institutional welfare and governance. Monthly allocations to the college have risen from a modest ₦1.5 million to ₦10 million, providing the management with greater capacity to meet operational needs. Staff salaries are now paid promptly, examinations are conducted internally, and a strengthened disciplinary framework has improved student management and academic stability.
Perhaps the most consequential outcome of the accreditation exercise is the integration of the institution into the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission framework. For the first time, prospective students can gain admission through the nationally recognised process, placing the college on equal footing with similar institutions across the country.
The Chairman of the Accreditation Committee, Alhaji Galadima Haruna, aptly described the achievement as a “100 per cent success.” With the institution now fully listed on the JAMB e-Facility platform, students can pursue nationally recognised qualifications that significantly enhance their career prospects and employability.
The ripple effects will be felt far beyond the campus. The accredited programmes are designed to produce the skilled manpower urgently needed in public health institutions, diagnostic centres, laboratories, and healthcare facilities within Kebbi State and across the North-West region. In particular, the Medical Science Laboratory Technology programme is expected to bridge critical workforce gaps in hospitals and diagnostic services.
What is unfolding in Jega reflects a broader governance philosophy that has come to define Governor Nasir Idris’s administration: the belief that sustainable development begins with investment in people and institutions. While roads, bridges and physical infrastructure often dominate public discourse, educational institutions remain the engines that produce the professionals needed to sustain long-term development.
The story of the Kebbi State College of Health Sciences and Technology is therefore not merely about accreditation. It is about restoring relevance, expanding opportunity, and building a stronger healthcare future for generations of Kebbi citizens.
As the institution enters this new phase of growth and national recognition, it stands as another testament to the transformative impact of purposeful leadership.
For Governor Nasir Idris, (Kauran Gwandu)the accreditation of seven professional programmes in one of the state’s oldest health institutions is not simply an administrative achievement; it is a strategic legacy investment in the health, education, and future prosperity of Kebbi State.
The Kauran Gwandu’s train is unstoppable, delivering something extraordinary for his people every day. It is this rare quality of dedication and service that has earned him the respect and support of the people of Kebbi State.
Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation to Kebbi State Governor