Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has revealed that his administration’s significant investment in the training of nursing and midwifery students in the state aims to create career opportunities for them to excel in the medical profession.
The governor made these remarks during the inaugural matriculation ceremony for the 2024 cohort of the Parklane and Awgu campuses of the nursing college, held in Enugu on Wednesday. He elaborated that the state’s initiative to upgrade the institution and expose students to advanced learning methodologies, medical equipment, and technology aligns with his campaign promise to foster a healthy society.
“At the heart of our administration is a deep commitment to education, and this is reflected in initiatives that aim to uplift students, institutions, and communities. Education is the foundation for growth, empowerment, and transformation, and nursing education, in particular, is crucial in building a healthier society,” he stated.
Governor Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, noted that the administration’s bold initiatives aimed at ensuring the future of the people and transforming the state into a hub for medical tourism have led to the accreditation of the college and other medical institutions by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
“The journey to this point was marked by determination and progress, starting with the invitation of the first batch of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) officials to accredit the School of Midwifery. This step was critical, allowing students to finally get indexed after two years of delay—a process that officially certified them as Student Nurses and enabled their enrolment in the NMCN professional exams.
“Building on this success, the State Government took even bolder steps by inviting officials from both the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the NMCN to oversee the upgrade of the former ‘School of Nursing’ to prestigious collegial status. This transformation required considerable investment and commitment, which the government wholeheartedly provided.
“With accreditation secured, the College earned the right to expand its reach, resulting in the establishment of additional campuses in Nsukka and Oji River. This growth reflects the government’s dedication to broadening access to quality nursing education across the state,” the governor added.
He emphasised that the administration is committed to establishing a quality, tech-driven 260 Smart Green Schools education programme, integrating technology with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Additionally, a groundbreaking healthcare delivery system is being developed, necessitating the construction of 260 Type-2 Healthcare Centres to serve as vital resources for communities, tackling preventable diseases, reducing infant and maternal mortality, and improving overall health outcomes.
While encouraging students to view their chosen path as a profession demanding dedication, hard work, compassion, and service, the governor insisted that the substantial resources being committed are not intended for students to leave the state after their studies. He affirmed that opportunities exist within the state and the country for them to realise their aspirations.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye, commended the governor for enhancing the health sector with modern medical facilities, noting that Enugu State is among the first in the federation to adopt a collegial status where students can receive multiple certificates, including OND, Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, and HND.
He assured that the state is in the process of establishing world-class facilities at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospitals, the Enugu International Hospital, and the Type-3 and Type-2 healthcare centres, as a strategic measure to address the Japa syndrome.
In her opening remarks earlier, the Acting Provost of the college, Dr. Nkechi Ani, highlighted the notable achievements of the governor since taking office, which include infrastructure upgrades, the construction of a fully equipped ICT centre, frequent staff training and development, entrepreneurship training in digital and software skills, international courses at the University of Washington, and the provision of essential logistics for both staff and students.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Ogbodo Rita Uchenna, speaking on behalf of her peers, stated that with Governor Mbah’s intervention leading to the upgrade of their school to a college, they now earn four different certificates upon completion of their training, enabling them to work anywhere globally.
She added that with the new facilities available on their campuses, they are positioned to compete with and outperform university students in the country. “We even do more than students in universities with the technology we now have. In fact, we don’t do pen and paper things anymore in our studies.”
