At the 14th Annual General Meeting and National Scientific Conference of the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPNPN) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, stakeholders underscored the urgent need for reforms in nursing education and healthcare access to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The conference, themed “Nurses’ Education, Economic and Political Advancement in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward,” gathered key figures from the nursing and healthcare sectors.
Prof. Adelani Tijani, the Head of Nursing at the Federal University, Oye, Ekiti, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the crucial role of nurses in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system. He pointed out the numerous challenges the profession faces, including inadequate training and limited access to advanced education. “Without substantial reforms in nursing education, the potential contributions of nurses will remain underutilized,” Tijani stated.
He highlighted the necessity of a curriculum that addresses current healthcare demands and prepares nurses for emerging challenges. “Nurses must be equipped with the right education and resources to navigate the socio-political landscape effectively,” he added.
Prof. Tijani also brought attention to the economic and political factors influencing nursing practice in Nigeria, stating that the current economic climate severely affects the capacity to deliver quality care. He called for a collaborative approach among educational institutions, government, and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive training programs that equip nurses with the necessary skills to tackle these challenges.
“Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of professional development; it is essential for national progress,” he concluded, urging stakeholders to prioritize nursing education in policy discussions.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by Dr. Adewumi Ajetunmobi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, declared the event open and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and access, supporting the call for reforms in the nursing sector.
