Awka — Anambra State College of Health Technology (ASCHT), Obosi, has awarded diploma and certificates to 1,405 graduands for a successful academic graduation in the institution.

 

Addressing the graduands during the maiden convocation ceremony at the college playground, Obosi, Acting Provost, Dr. Robinson Mgbakogu, explained that the results indicate progress in the number of students who passed their professional examinations.

 

Mgbakogu recalled that the college having been established in 1992 after the creation of new Anambra State in 1991, the State Assembly further established Act 200, adding, "It was established to the much needed middle level manpower in the health sector".

 

He disclosed that six departments out of seven, including Community Health, Environmental, Health Tech, Public Health Nursing, Medical Laboratory, Pharmacy and Medical Imaging Technology, are enjoying the support of the state government.

 

"We are fully prepared and expecting the first accreditation visit by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to our institution," Mgbakogusaid, adding that the expected accreditation will boost the national and international image of the college.

 

"It will further qualify the college to apply for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund) to lessen the burden on the state government in infrastructural development." While commending the state government for its assistance since inception, Mgbakogu lamented the shortage of funds to embark on infrastructural development, provision of ITC equipment among other needs.

 

He disclosed that through the college internally generated revenue (IGR) and grants from the Obiano administration, his administration was able to complete projects, including renovation of the administration block and provide office equipment among other trhings.

 

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, in his speech, praised the staff and management for organising its first convocation ceremony, saying it would go a long way to boost image of the institution and expose it to the outside world.

 

He assured that the Obiano-led administration will continue to assist to improve conditions, especially development of infrastructure in the college.

 

The commissioner, who was represented by Dr. Nnadozie P. Obiegbu urged the college authority to submit all relevant document to the panel already set up by the Governor to look into the reports on alleged encroachment into the plots already allocated to ASCHTby the host community and aggressive land grabbers.

 

Also speaking, former Provost of the college, Rev. Dr. Agu, counseled graduands to apply whatever knowledge acquired during their training to advance their lives and work harder for their future.

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu