COMMUNITY HEALTH PRACTITIONERS REGISTRATION BOARD OF NIGERIA(CHPRBN) EMBARKS ON AN ADVISORY AND RESOURCE VERIFICATION VISIT TO THE BAYELSA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (BMU)-. TUESDAY, 20H APRIL 2021.
Members of the Community Health Practitioners Board of Nigeria(CHPRBN) were in Bayelsa State to pay a resource verification/ advisory visit with the view of assessing existing facilities of the Bayelsa Medical University and providing necessary advice and guidance in view of preparation for accreditation by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC).
The team from the CHPRBN was led by Mr. Sule Galadima Toma, Chairman of the Board Chairman. Others members of the delegation include Mr. Adewumi Olabisi Damiyu, Board Member representing South West Zone and Mr. Fajuko, Head of Education Standards and Procedures.
In his welcome address the Vice Chancellor of BMU, Prof. Ebitimitula. N. Etebu on behalf of Council, Management and Staff of the University noted that this visit will add to the value of the University especially to the Faculty of Health Sciences. He acknowledged the role the BMU has played since its inception in 2018 by Law of the Bayelsa State State House of Assembly and approved by the NUC in January 2019 as a specialized University to offer programmes such as Medicine and Surgery, Optometry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nursing Sciences, Community Health, Public Health, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics with Electronics, and other medically related Programmes. Professor Etebu stated that despite the challenges faced by the University, the leadership of the University was focused and determined to achieve the goals for which it was established.
On his part, the leader of the CHPBN delegation Mr. Sule Galadima expressed delight to be in Bayelsa State which he described as a Special State. He went on to congratulate His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State for the wisdom of consolidating on the foundation laid by his predecessor. He said he was impressed by the profiles of the high caliber of professionals appointed to manage BMU adding that with such impressive and experienced leaders, BMU was destined for greatness. Mr. Galadima added that their visit would further add value to BMU by contribute to the continuous success of the University.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Fajugo, member of the CHPRBN noted that from inception till date, the Board has produced 214, 633 Community Health Practitioners. He further stated that the mandate of the Board is “to be a regulatory agency with a clear focus on production of relevant Human Resources for efficient Primary Health Care Services in Nigeria.
He reeled out the functions of the board as:
- To determine what standards of knowledge and skills shall be attained by a person seeking to become a professional in the Health Sector and to improve those standards from time to time.
- To establish and maintain a register of persons registered under the Act as members of the profession and the publication from time to time.
- Conducting examinations in Health Records Management and awarding certificates or diplomas to successful candidates as appropriate and for such purpose, the board shall prescribe fees to be paid in respect.
- The accreditation of schools and courses.
- The Regulation of the profession and maintenance of discipline among members of the profession.
The CHPRBN Team was led on a tour of BMU facilities and the Community Health Centres in the State. After the tour, the team reconvened for a debriefing to BMU Management. While debriefing Management, members of the CHPRBN said they were pleased with the level of preparation of the BMU and its achievements so far, however there was room for improvement especially in the provision of additional infrastructure for Faculties and Centres and Institutes of the University. They pointed out the need for necessary documentation and additional personnel where there was need. The CHPRBN resource verification/ advisory visit ended with a scheduled appointment for a visit to His Excellency the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Laurence Ewrudjakpo for Breakfast meeting on Saturday, April 24 2021 by 9 am.
Others in attendance were the Deputy Vice chancellor, Professor Paingha J. Alagoa, the Registrar, Dr. Guagha Berezi, the University Librarian, Dr. Idiedo Victor, the Director Academic Planning, Research and Innovation, Professor. Olugbenro Joshua Benedictus Osinowo, the Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Doris Dotimi, the Head of Department Public Health, Dr. Mrs. Ekemike Dolphina Olaitari and the PRO/ Ag. Director IFL-BT, Dr. Marie Teibowei.