Nursing experts and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare sector have called for immediate reforms in nursing education and healthcare access.
They said improvements are essential to achieving universal health coverage and quality service delivery.
The experts spoke at the 14th annual general meeting (AGM) and national scientific conference of the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPNPN) at the University of Ibadan (UI) Conference Centre at the weekend in the Oyo State capital.
In his keynote address, the Head of Nursing at the Federal University in Oye-Ekiti (FUIYE), Prof. Adelani Tijani, highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in advancing healthcare delivery.
He expressed concern over inadequate training and outdated curricula, saying these hinder nurses’ contributions.
“Without substantial reforms in nursing education, the potential contributions of nurses will remain underutilised,” Tijani said.
The expert stressed the need for nurses to be equipped with modern knowledge and skills that would enable them address emerging challenges.
He said it was also important to align nursing education with current healthcare demands, adding: “Nurses must be equipped with the right education and resources to navigate the socio-political landscape effectively.”
AGPNPN President, Prince Balogun Ajiboye, also called for reforms in nurses’ education, particularly in the face of rising economic challenges and insecurity.
He expressed concern that poor working conditions, banditry, and inflation are driving health professionals abroad, leaving the healthcare system in a precarious state.
“Given the current state of insecurity and inflation, we cannot take our lives for granted,” Ajiboye warned.
He described quackery in nursing as a serious threat to public health and the profession’s reputation.”
“Quackery undermines our profession and poses significant risks to patients,” he cautioned, urging regulatory bodies to intensify efforts to tackle this menace.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adewumi Ajetunmobi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and infrastructure.
He said: “We are investing in programmes that enhance the skills of our nurses and doctors to ensure they can deliver the best possible care. Our administration prioritises access to quality health services for every citizen.”
The governor acknowledged the need for improved funding in the healthcare sector, saying: “We recognise that many public hospitals are struggling due to insufficient resources, and we are working to address this.”
He called for collaboration between the government and the private sector to secure additional funding.
