Home » Health » Stakeholders call for reforms in nursing education, healthcare access Health October 29, 2024 Stakeholders call for reforms in nursing education, healthcare access
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.
