Dr. Dorothy Odetola, an expert in Community Health Nursing from the University of Ibadan, has voiced grave concerns over the nation’s acute shortage and mass exodus of skilled healthcare professionals.
As the guest speaker at the induction of the inaugural 15 graduate nurses from McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Odetola addressed the theme “Advancing Frontiers in Nursing Education and Practice: Effects of Japa Syndrome on Sub-Saharan Africa.” She revealed that over 57,000 nurses left Nigeria between 2017 and 2022.
Odetola emphasized that the ideal ratio was one nurse per patient, but the current reality is a staggering one nurse for every 60 to 80 patients, resulting in an overwhelming increase in workload.
She urged all levels of government to urgently implement effective measures to combat the rising trend of healthcare personnel emigration.
The nursing oath was administered by Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). In his address, delivered by Mrs. Kemi Awe, he reminded the newly inducted Registered Nurses of society’s expectations and urged them to uphold the standards of their profession.
Abubakar encouraged them to learn from their senior colleagues during their internships, which would help them pursue advanced degrees in nursing afterward.
Professor Francis Igbasan, the institution’s vice-chancellor, advised the newly inducted nurses to apply the practical and people management skills they acquired during their internships and to seek guidance from experienced colleagues.
He also reminded them that nursing is both an art and a science that requires empathy, clear communication, care, and emotional intelligence. He urged them to be kind and patient with themselves as they embark on this new journey, and to seek mentors who can provide guidance and support.
“As nurses, you will be called upon to care for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. You will hold their stories, fears, and hopes in your hands. You carry the responsibility to provide comfort, compassion, and healing. I have every confidence that each of you is up to the task. I believe in you firmly.”
