A federal lawmaker, Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent approval of the takeover and conversion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.

Nalaraba, who represents Awe/Doma/Keana federal constituency of Nasarawa State, said the approval marks a monumental step toward the development of the state’s healthcare and educational sectors.

He stated, “The conversion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital into a Federal Teaching Hospital will not only serve as a pivotal platform for training medical and allied sciences students but will also enhance the quality of healthcare delivery to our people”.

The lawmaker also thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule “for his proactive role in advocating for this conversion, recognising the profound impact it will make on Nasarawa State”.

“I wish to also commend the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Sarduanan Gwandara), for initiating a bill that recently gave birth to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.

“The sole idea of the bill was muted by the former governor in 2021, and it passed through all due legislative processes of the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives as required by law.”

“Also worthy of note is that before his exit in May 2019 as the governor, Al-Makura graciously donated a completed building facility for the take-off of the Teaching Hospital along Rice Mill/B.A.D road in Lafia, the state capital. With these, Senator Al-Makura has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a clear vision for the future of Nasarawa State.”

“I also wish to thank the emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) and the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, for their roles in ensuring this dream comes through,” the statement added.