Bayelsa Government Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Medical Education as MDCN Visits for Accreditation
By Passman Akpos
The Bayelsa State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening medical education and healthcare delivery in the state as it hosted an 11-man accreditation team from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Representing Governor Douye Diri at the meeting, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo welcomed the MDCN delegation led by Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakanma and commended the team for their role in ensuring high standards in medical training across the country.
Ewhrudjakpo explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the ongoing accreditation processes of the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and the Niger Delta University (NDU) — two pivotal institutions driving the state’s vision for a robust and sustainable health system.
He clarified that the establishment of BMU was not intended to rival NDU but rather to complement it, noting that both institutions play distinct yet mutually reinforcing roles in producing competent healthcare professionals for the state and the nation at large.
> “Our government established BMU not to compete with NDU, but to complement it — ensuring we produce the skilled medical professionals needed to strengthen our health system,” he said.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that in the last five years, the Diri-led administration has deliberately focused on human capital development within the health sector, investing more in training and capacity building than in physical structures.
> “While buildings are important, it is people — trained doctors, nurses, and health workers — who sustain quality healthcare,” Ewhrudjakpo stated.
He assured the MDCN team of the government’s full commitment to meeting all required accreditation standards and pledged continued collaboration to raise the quality of medical education in the state to global benchmarks.
The MDCN delegation, in its response, commended the Bayelsa State Government for its visible commitment to advancing medical education and improving healthcare delivery.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed gratitude to the council for its visit and constructive engagement, reaffirming that Bayelsa will not compromise on quality or professionalism in its health institutions.
> “Bayelsa is in a hurry to develop, and we welcome the MDCN’s guidance on how we can improve further. Together, we will continue to build a health system that meets global standards and serves our people effectively,” he said.
He concluded by extending appreciation to the MDCN for its partnership and encouragement, praying for the continued progress of Bayelsa State.
