By Suleiman Abdulmumin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved the confirmation of Sanitarian Umar Anataku Shaibu as the substantive Provost of the Kogi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah.
The appointment follows Shaibu’s tenure as Acting Provost, a role he held for two years and four months, during which he initiated wide-ranging reforms that repositioned the institution academically and administratively.
Shaibu was first appointed Acting Provost on January 27, 2023, by former Governor Yahaya Bello. During his time in acting capacity, he focused on strengthening academic standards, improving regulatory compliance, and enhancing the overall credibility of the college.
A major highlight of his leadership was the successful mobilization of graduates of the institution for the National Youth Service Corps scheme for the first time since the college was established in 1978. The breakthrough ended decades of exclusion, opening a new chapter for graduates who had long awaited the opportunity to participate in national service.
Speaking on the milestone, Shaibu described it as a restoration of hope for past and present students, noting that the achievement reflects years of persistence and institutional reforms.
The feat was achieved with the backing of Governor Ododo, whose administration has placed priority on education, youth development and capacity building across the state. The intervention of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Adams Abdulazeez, alongside the efforts of the Academic Board, management team, NYSC Desk Office and staff, also contributed to meeting the requirements for NYSC mobilization.
The development is seen as a turning point for the college, as it now meets national benchmarks required for academic recognition and participation in key federal programmes.
With his confirmation as substantive Provost, Shaibu is expected to build on the gains recorded during his acting tenure and further advance the institution’s drive toward becoming a leading health sciences college in Nigeria.