A Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, has passed second reading at the Nigerian Senate.

The Bill, sponsored by former President of the Senate, Dr. David Mark, seeks to the establishment of the first ever University of Health Sciences in Africa.

It was the first time since the inauguration of the 8th Senate, Sen. Mark spoke on the floor of the upper chamber on June 9, 2017.

‎The bill enjoyed sufficient support from lawmakers ‎when subjected for debate on its general principles, after which it passed at second reading.

Leader of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, while speaking, said the bill would not be debated, and urged his colleagues to make provision for the take-off of the university in the 2018 budget.

‎Lawmakers were however of the view that the bill will not only benefit the people of Benue state but Nigerians in general.

Many lawmakers wanted to speak on the issue, but were restricted by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided.

In his ruling, the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, said this bill has enjoyed sufficient support, saying that the bill seeks to create a special university ‎that will cater for the well-being of Nigerians.

The senate thereafter mandated its committee on tertiary education and TETFund to work on the legislation and report back in four weeks.‎‎