President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant measure to ease the financial burden on public hospitals and educational institutions across Nigeria. The President has approved a 50% electricity subsidy aimed at reducing energy costs for these critical sectors, enabling them to focus more resources on providing essential services to the public.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement during a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday. This briefing followed the inauguration of several key projects at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, which included a 200-capacity auditorium, a student hostel, an oxygen plant, a molecular laboratory, a powerhouse, an ENT specialists clinic, an operating theatre, and a female/children ward.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that this subsidy reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the health and education sectors, which are vital to the nation’s development.
Alausa stated, “The President has approved a 50% electricity subsidy for all public hospitals and educational institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
“The implementation process is currently being developed by the Minister of Power, and very soon, these institutions will benefit from a significant reduction in their energy tariffs.”
This initiative is expected to relieve public hospitals and educational institutions of some of their financial pressures, allowing them to allocate more funds toward enhancing healthcare services and educational quality.
Alausa added, “This subsidy will enable public hospitals to provide better healthcare services and educational institutions to focus on delivering quality education to Nigerian students.”
During the event, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, praised the leadership of the National Ear Care Centre’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Abubakar Yaro, for his dedication to transforming the facility. The governor highlighted the importance of the newly commissioned projects, describing them as a reflection of the government’s commitment to the health and wellness of its citizens.
Governor Sani remarked, “The projects being commissioned today, including the 200-capacity auditorium, student hostel, oxygen plant, molecular laboratory, and other facilities, demonstrate the judicious use of resources to improve healthcare services in line with the current administration’s priorities.”
He further assured that the Kaduna State Government would continue to support the Centre’s growth, ensuring that it remains a leading institution in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) care and research in Nigeria and West Africa.
Governor Sani also lauded Dr. Alausa for his vision and guidance, expressing confidence that the National Ear Care Centre would continue to receive the support it needs from the Federal Ministry of Health. He noted that the Centre, established in 1999, has played a crucial role in providing specialized care, training healthcare professionals, and conducting research in ENT diseases.