A bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eket, Akwa Ibom State has passed its first reading in the House Of Representatives.

The bill sponsored by Rt Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, Member representing Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency and read by the clerk, House Of Representatives on Thursday, 27th July, 2023 with title: "Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Eket Akwa Ibom State (Establishment) Bill 2023 (HB 363)".

The bill seeks to establish a Federal educational institution aimed at training nurses and midwives in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

In a chart with newsmen,the bill sponsor, Rep Etteh noted that the difficulty face by candidates wishing to study nursing and midwifery necessitated the sponsorship of the bill, adding that with the establishment of the institution, it will enable candidates achieve their career goals and contribute greatly to more research in the medical field while reducing brain drains.

“I’m believing God that the bill will pass through the second and third reading at the green chambers

"With the massive brain drain of health workers in the country, there is need for the Federal Government to breach the gap by establishing more health related institutions for training of potential nurses and midwives while also creating enabling environment with adequate infrastructures and incentives to ensure that Nigeria is not at the losing end at the end of the day," he said.