Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have adopted the report of the Joint House Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions) and Health Services on the University of Medicine and Health Sciences Bill, 2024 on Monday.
The resolution of the House is for the purpose of further advancing efforts to strengthen healthcare services and tertiary education in the State.
The report was presented during plenary, presided over by the Chairman, House Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions), Hon. Owolabi Ajani, who also served as co-chairman of the joint committee.
While presenting the report, Hon. Ajani outlined several key observations made during the committee’s engagements and review sessions.
He noted that the bill required clearer definitions in some clauses to eliminate ambiguities, particularly those relating to the governance structure, administrative responsibilities, and academic oversight of the proposed university.
He added that the committee also observed the existence of established frameworks in similar medical institutions across the country, which could guide the refinement of the bill and ensure alignment with best practices.
Hon. Ajani further explained that certain provisions within the bill duplicated sections already covered under existing Lagos State laws, underscoring the need for harmonization to avoid legislative contradictions.
To address these concerns, the Committee recommended the restructuring and rephrasing of specific sections of the bill to improve clarity and ensure legal precision. It also proposed deleting clauses already provided for in the laws governing tertiary education and health institutions in Lagos State.
The committee emphasized the importance of adopting a well-defined administrative structure, particularly in outlining the composition, roles, and powers of the Governing Council, while encouraging closer collaboration between the Ministry of Tertiary Education and relevant stakeholders. Ministries and Agencies (MDAs) to guarantee smooth implementation.
After deliberations, Hon. Members of the House unanimously adopted the report, making it the official resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, commended the joint committee for its diligence and thorough review. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to strengthening legislative structures that promote quality healthcare and accessible, world-class education for all residents of Lagos.