WorldStage— The Nigeria’s Senate on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, passed two critical bills seeking to establish federal teaching hospitals in Kachia, Kaduna State, and Otukpo, Benue State.
The legislative milestone aims to significantly boost medical training, expand clinical research, and address critical infrastructural gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
The passage of the bills followed a comprehensive clause-by-clause consideration of reports presented by the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary Education.
Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC-Bauchi Central) presented the reports during plenary on behalf of the committee’s chairman, Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry (APC-Rivers West).
The newly approved pieces of legislation provide statutory backing for the Federal University of Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital, Kachia, and the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.
While presenting the findings, Senator Ningi explained that the committee extensively scrutinized the proposals, reviewed their clauses, and consulted legal drafting experts to ensure institutional synergy.
He emphasized that the primary target of amending the University Teaching Hospitals Act is to update its first schedule, legally incorporating these apex medical facilities into the federal framework.
“The proposed teaching hospitals will help address the acute shortage of medical personnel and strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery across the country,” Ningi stated.
He added that the facilities will offer high-level clinical training for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, while simultaneously providing specialized patient care to the host regions.
Seconding the motion for the consideration of the report, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South), strongly advocated for the institutions.
Lawmakers noted that the Otukpo facility would revolutionize medical access in North Central Nigeria, while the Kachia facility would fill a long-standing vacuum in specialist care for residents of Southern Kaduna and neighboring communities.
Beyond health benefits, the projects are projected to stimulate local economies and generate extensive employment opportunities.
Following a smooth deliberation in the Committee of the Whole, the upper legislative chamber unanimously passed both bills.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the health committee for its thoroughness and praised lawmakers for their dedication to legislative reforms that directly safeguard public health and advance national progress.
