In a move aimed at addressing the critical shortage of nursing professionals across Nigeria, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has announced its decision to increase the enrollment quota for nursing students in qualified institutions nationwide. This strategic decision comes in response to the growing healthcare needs of the country’s population and the global shortage of nursing staff, which Nigeria is keenly feeling.
Dr. Faruq Abubakar, the Registrar of NMCN, shared these insights during the combined 5th and 6th induction ceremony for Registered Nurses from Osun State University, Osogbo. The ceremony, a pivotal moment for the newest members of the nursing profession, also served as a platform for discussing the council’s future plans to bolster the workforce.
Abubakar, represented by Olaniyi Filade, emphasized the council’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s healthcare system is supported by a robust number of qualified nursing professionals. “There’s no doubt that we have a huge shortage of nurses globally, and Nigeria is not an exception,” he stated, highlighting the concerted efforts by the government to mitigate this gap.
The council’s initiative is not merely about increasing numbers but ensuring quality and comprehensive healthcare coverage from primary to tertiary levels. It involves a meticulous process of regulating and monitoring educational institutions to ensure they meet the required standards in terms of facilities, human resources, and training capabilities.
A testament to this commitment is the increase in the student quota for the Nursing Science Department at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), which has seen its capacity grow from 50 to 150 students. This expansion is indicative of the government’s proactive approach to enhancing the healthcare sector’s manpower.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Prof. Clement Adebooye, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the university’s dedication to excellence in nursing and midwifery education. He proudly noted the outstanding performance of the university’s nursing students in their final professional examinations, with success rates consistently near or at 100% over the past four academic sessions. “This year, we proudly present one hundred and eight Nurses and Midwives for induction following yet another exceptional 100% pass rate in the March 2024 professional examinations,” Adebooye announced.
This achievement is not only a milestone for UNIOSUN but also a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s healthcare system, signaling the emergence of a new generation of nursing professionals equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
Dr. Abubakar’s message to the newly inducted nurses was one of resilience and dedication to the profession’s core values. He urged them to be unwavering in their commitment to promoting health, restoring health, and alleviating suffering across all demographics, regardless of status or gender. “Yours is to make sure that irrespective of their status even gender, you care for them as is expected of you as a professional,” he advised, reinforcing the ethical standards that define nursing.
The council’s efforts to increase the nursing quota in educational institutions are a critical step toward addressing the healthcare workforce shortage in Nigeria. By fostering an environment that encourages the growth and development of nursing professionals, the NMCN is not only improving the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians but also positioning the country as a leader in healthcare provision in the African continent.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its healthcare needs, the dedication of institutions like NMCN and UNIOSUN to advancing nursing education and professionalism is a promising sign. It underscores a collective commitment to ensuring that the nation’s health system is robust, resilient, and capable of meeting the needs of its population now and in the future.
