Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, has called on the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to increase the quota for nursing programme in Nigerian universities.
Ezemonye made the call during the 5th Professional Oath-Taking/Induction Ceremony of 38 Bachelor of Nursing Science Graduates of the institution.
The call, he said became necessary to meet the global demand for nursing services.
The vice-chancellor asserted that brain drain in nursing services was one of the threats to healthcare services in the United States today as well as Nigeria.
He, however, commended the council for working assiduously to maintain standard in the practice and training of nursing services in the country.
“The Nursing profession is care-centred and demands comprehensive and thorough training.
“I am convinced that if the data on health workforce for Nigeria is appropriately monitored through a set of indicators, Igbinedion University Nursing graduates would score high in the delivery of the nation’s health coverage and objectives in this regard,” he said.
Ezemonye charged the inductees to commit themselves to the set objectives of the profession and be worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Performing the oath taking, Alhaji Farouk Abubakar, the Registrar of the NMCN, reminded them of their fundamental responsibility as nurses.
Abubakar, who was represented by Mrs Patricia Anunobi, Director, Research and Statistics in the council, said a lot was expected from the nurses as the profession was tremendously demanding.
The registrar called on the newly qualified nurses to be committed and ready to be fully accountable for their decisions and actions in the course of their duties.
“I want to encourage you to learn from your colleagues, accept corrections, improve on your knowledge and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
“You are also encouraged to acquire further certificate in nursing services and always have the council’s publications for your guide,” said Abubakar.
Meanwhile, in his lecture, Prof. Adelani Tijani, who was the Guest Speaker at the event cleared a misconception in some quarters that nursing was a vocation and not a full profession.
In a lecture titled: “Professional Development in Nursing: Fact or Farce?”, the lecturer said that nursing by all parametres was a profession because it is based on systematic body of theory.
He said the informal training of people for nursing services was an aberration. nan.
