By Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has moved to calm growing concerns among students, parents and residents by dismissing rumours that the College of Health Sciences of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, is to be relocated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the government described the reports as false and without any basis, insisting that Governor Douye Diri had not approved any plan to move the college from its current location on Wilberforce Island in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
According to the government, the speculation was the product of misinformation and did not reflect the position or intentions of the state administration.
It explained that there is no recommendation before the governor for such a relocation, neither is the government considering such a move.
The statement further noted that Bayelsa currently operates two medical training institutions—the College of Health Sciences at NDU and the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU)—and that both institutions still require increased admission quotas to meet the growing demand for medical education.
Relocating the NDU College of Health Sciences, the government said, would disrupt academic activities, affect the training of medical students and undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare education in the state.
The government therefore urged members of the public to disregard the rumour and cautioned individuals spreading false information to stop creating unnecessary anxiety.
It also warned that anyone found deliberately circulating misinformation, particularly on social media, could face legal consequences, stressing its commitment to preserving peace, public confidence and stability in the state.
