The Niger State House of Assembly has called for inputs from the public and relevant stakeholders on a private member bill seeking the establishment of the Niger State College of Nursing and Midwifery.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Murtala Adamu Badaru, is aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare manpower training and strengthening medical education in the state.

Speaking at a public hearing, the Speaker, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji — represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Idris Musa Vatsa — said the legislature would issue a white paper after collating submissions, to be tabled before plenary for further legislative action.

Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education, Science and Technology; Health, Nutrition and Primary Healthcare; and Judiciary and Legal Matters, Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris E.S., said the engagement was in line with the Assembly’s tradition of consulting those who may be affected directly or indirectly by proposed laws.

He noted that the hearing was designed to ensure the proposed institution aligns with the state’s long-term goals of enhancing access to quality education and healthcare.

Stakeholders present — including government officials and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives — applauded the initiative, saying the college would boost the training, regulation and professional development of nurses and midwives in Niger State.