2027: I will Expand Access to Medical Education in Ebonyi- PDP Gov Candidate, Ifeanyi Odii
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s general election in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Odii has declared that he will transform the state university, (EBSU) to center of excellence if elected the governor.
Chief Odii who was represented at the event, by the National Ex-officio of the PDP, Hon. Moses Idika also said he will expand access to medical education, improve professional competence, and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled personnel for the state health system.
He stated this in Abakaliki, the state capital at the Ebonyi State University Medical Students Association (EBSUMSA) homecoming/reunion colloquium at the weekend
He said building a strong, accessible, and efficient healthcare system must be a foundational priority for any government that genuinely desires progress, describing a healthy society is a productive society.
According to him, no state can achieve sustainable economic growth, educational advancement, or social development without a healthcare system that protects the lives and wellbeing of its people.
He called for deliberate and sustainable investment in the healthcare system
beginning with medical education and professional training and extending to clinical practice, research, infrastructure, and the welfare of healthcare workers.
He described the figures often cited about Nigeria’s healthcare workforce as deeply concerning.
“Records attributed to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria indicate that, of approximately 80,000 medical practitioners on its register, only about 55,000 are practising within Nigeria, with many others reportedly working in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.
“This continuing loss of skilled professionals places an enormous burden on our healthcare system.
“Nigeria’s doctor-to-population ratio also illustrates the scale of the challenge. The figures presented in many reports suggest a substantial gap between the number of available doctors and the needs of our growing population.
“In some states, the shortage is particularly acute.
“Behind these figures are real human beings: mothers who need safe deliveries, children who require timely medical attention, families struggling to access specialist care, and communities whose wellbeing depends on the availability of qualified health professionals.
“The consequences are devastating. Preventable illnesses continue to claim lives, while maternal and infant mortality remain serious public health concerns”, Odii stated.
He explained that he was contesting the governorship position to set the state on a renewed path of progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Yes, I am seeking the votes of my brothers and sisters, our parents, and every registered voter in Ebonyi State. I am doing so because I believe our state can achieve much more, and I am prepared to work with our people to set Ebonyi on a renewed path of progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Having had the privilege of travelling to different parts of the world and experiencing functional systems firsthand, I have come to appreciate that meaningful progress is possible when leadership is purposeful and institutions are properly managed.
“Consider our medical professionals who receive their education in Nigeria and subsequently practise abroad. Many encounter a striking difference between the working environments they leave behind and the systems into which they enter.
” They often discover better-equipped facilities, more reliable infrastructure, stronger institutional support, and more conducive conditions for professional growth.
“Yet, there is no magic behind the success of these systems. Progress begins when those entrusted with authority, at every level, commit themselves to doing things properly, making responsible decisions, and putting the public interest first.
“Our vision is to transform Ebonyi State University into a true centre of excellence, recognised for quality education, research, innovation, and professional development.
“As a member of the Governing Board of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, I have had the privilege of contributing to the work of a team committed to strengthening and repositioning that institution.
“That experience has given me valuable insight into the governance, planning, and institutional reforms required to build a university that serves its students and society effectively.
“We will also pursue bursaries and scholarship opportunities for eligible medical students of Ebonyi origin, while supporting continuous professional development for healthcare personnel.
“Our objective is to expand access to medical education, improve professional competence, and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled personnel for our health system”, he stated.