Stakeholders have called for urgent reforms in nursing education and healthcare access, highlighting the critical need for enhancements to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
They made the call in Ibadan, Oyo State at the 14th Annual General Meeting and National Scientific Conference of the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPNPN), with the theme, “Nurses’ Education, Economic and Political Advancement in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward.”
Delivering his keynote address, the Head of Nursing at the Federal University, Oye, Ekiti, Prof. Adelani Tijani, emphasised the integral role of nurses in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Tijani pointed out that the profession faces numerous challenges, including inadequate training and limited access to advanced education, adding that, “Without substantial reforms in nursing education, the potential contributions of nurses will remain underutilised.”
He underscored the need for 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 stated.
Tijani also highlighted the economic and political factors that influence nursing practice in Nigeria, stressing: “The current economic climate severely impacts our capacity to deliver quality care.
He called for a collaborative approach among educational institutions, government, and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive training programmes that equip nurses with the necessary skills to address 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.
While declaring the event open, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by Dr. Adewumi Ajetunmobi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and access.
The health commissioner, who spoke through Dr. Adekunle Aremu, Director of Secondary Health and Training, emphasised the importance of investing in healthcare professionals, stating, “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.”
He highlighted recent initiatives aimed at upgrading facilities and increasing the availability of essential medical services in the state.
Aremu also addressed the pressing need for improved funding in the healthcare sector, pointing out that: “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 private sectors to secure additional funding and support.
”With combined efforts, we can ensure that our health facilities have the necessary resources to provide quality care. We are dedicated to improving the standard of care in our public facilities,” he added.
Aremu acknowledged the challenges posed by the current economic situation, which has made it difficult for many citizens to access healthcare services.
“Our goal is to create a system where no one is denied care due to financial constraints,” he emphasized, noting that the government is exploring innovative funding models to enhance healthcare delivery.”
Earlier in his address of welcome, AGPNPN, President Prince, Balogun Ajiboye, raised concerns about the myriad challenges facing nurses in Nigeria, particularly the impact of insecurity and inflation on their profession.
“Given the current state of insecurity and inflation, we cannot take our lives for granted,” he remarked.
Ajiboye emphasised the need for self-auditing within the profession, stating, “We must ensure that our educational and professional practices are aligned with the needs of our society.”
He urged nurses to actively participate in discussions about policy changes that affect their work and the healthcare system.
Ajiboye also addressed the issue of quackery in nursing, warning of its detrimental effects on public health and the profession’s reputation.
“Quackery undermines our profession and poses significant risks to patients,” he cautioned.
He called for unified efforts to combat this issue, urging regulatory bodies to strengthen their collaboration.
“We must work together to eradicate quackery and uphold the integrity of our profession,” he asserted, emphasising the need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing nursing practice in Nigeria.
Ajiboye, however, urged all stakeholders to prioritise healthcare accessibility and quality, noting that. “Without immediate intervention, universal health coverage will remain an elusive goal.”
He advocated economic support for healthcare providers despite rising operational costs and proposed the establishment of special financial programmes to assist nurses and healthcare facilities in accessing necessary resources.
“Health is wealth, and we must invest in our healthcare system to ensure a healthier nation,” he concluded, stressing the urgency to address the pressing challenges facing the nursing profession and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
