By John Wada, Keffi
The Provost of the newly established Zinnia College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi, in Nasarawa State, Dr. Sabiu Adamu (FPCPharm, Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, and Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists), has stated that the institution has fulfilled all necessary requirements for the commencement of its courses. He further noted that the college has started offering its programs and has applied for full accreditation through the relevant regulatory bodies.
Dr. Adamu made this known during an interview with our correspondent at his office in the college on Thursday.
According to the provost, the college, which was established just a year ago—precisely in March 2024—with only eleven students, has now grown to over 100 students. Additionally, it has introduced no fewer than six essential healthcare-related courses, including Pharmacy Technician, Public Health, Environmental Health, Community Health, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Health Information Management. He emphasized that the college has met all the necessary requirements for these programs at both the local and state levels and is now awaiting full accreditation from federal regulatory agencies.
"I want to also inform you that we have applied for the accreditation of all our courses and are now waiting for the respective regulatory bodies to conduct inspections. However, we already have approval from the state and the local government through their health departments," he said.
On some of the achievements recorded by the college within its short existence, Dr. Adamu highlighted the institution's successful collaborations with various healthcare centers. He noted that the college has partnered with primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Keffi, where students undergo practical training after completing the theoretical aspects of their studies.
Speaking on the challenges facing the newly established institution, the provost revealed that their initial concern was sustainability, as they started with only eleven students. However, through determination and divine intervention, the college recently matriculated over 100 students and continues to admit new ones.
"One major challenge we anticipate is the high accreditation fees charged by the regulatory bodies. We understand that the process is expensive, and we appeal to the federal government to consider new institutions like ours by subsidizing these charges. This will enable us to deliver quality education and function effectively," he stated.
