By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Provost of Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology, Ngbo, Stephen Nwamkpuma, has announced the introduction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations in the institution, aligning the college with contemporary academic practices and national education standards.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Elder Nwamkpuma highlighted several milestones achieved under his leadership, including the full accreditation of key academic programmes and significant infrastructural developments.
Tracing the evolution of the college since its establishment in 2007, the Provost identified 2019 as a transformative year. He noted that the institution had operated without legal backing until a bill formally establishing it was signed into law in May 2019—an achievement made possible through the efforts of the then Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, now Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
“Before 2019, we lacked legal status. I assumed office as Provost in February of that year, and by May, the law establishing the college was signed. That singular act enabled us to secure accreditation from relevant regulatory bodies,” he stated.
According to Nwamkpuma, the college received full accreditation between December 2024 and June 2025 for three major programmes: Community Health, Environmental Health, and Health Information Management.
He credited these successes to the consistent support of Governor Nwifuru and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma. “We are fortunate to have an education-friendly governor. His commitment to infrastructure and staffing enabled us to achieve accreditation,” he said.
Among the infrastructure upgrades, the Provost mentioned the renovation of student hostels with improved water supply, the construction of an access road to the college, and the installation of a new main gate.
On student affairs, he noted the institution’s transition from a caretaker student leadership model to a fully functional Students’ Union Government, which has now run successfully for three academic sessions.
Despite the notable progress, Nwamkpuma appealed for additional support. “We still need a bus, a befitting auditorium, and expanded laboratory facilities to meet the demands of our growing student population,” he said.
Addressing security concerns, the Provost assured the public that the college remains a safe learning environment. He noted that local stakeholders, including the council chairman, are actively collaborating with the institution to ensure the safety of students and staff, despite the open nature of the school’s boundaries.
Responding to allegations of bias in staff recruitment, Nwamkpuma clarified that the college does not directly hire employees. “All appointments are made through the civil service recruitment process,” he explained.
He appealled to NGOs, philanthropic individuals, and the federal government to support the college in its mission to train competent health professionals for Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole.