At the 14th Annual General Meeting and National Scientific Conference of the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPNPN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for reforms in nursing education and healthcare access. The event, themed “Nurses’ Education, Economic and Political Advancement in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward,” highlighted the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system and the nursing profession.
Prof. Adelani Tijani, Head of Nursing at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that nurses are central to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. Tijani discussed challenges such as inadequate training and limited educational opportunities, stating, “Without substantial reforms in nursing education, the potential contributions of nurses will remain underutilized.” He advocated for a curriculum aligned with current healthcare demands, equipping nurses with the skills needed to tackle emerging challenges.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Dr. Adewumi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Health, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Adekunle Aremu, Director of Secondary Health and Training, emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare professionals: “We are investing in programs that enhance the skills of our nurses and doctors to ensure they can deliver the best possible care.” Aremu also acknowledged funding limitations in public hospitals, calling for collaboration between the government and private sectors to secure additional resources for quality healthcare.
AGPNPN President Prince Balogun Ajiboye raised concerns over insecurity and inflation affecting the profession. He warned of the dangers of quackery in nursing, stating, “Quackery undermines our profession and poses significant risks to patients.” Ajiboye urged unified efforts to address these issues, stressing the need for regulatory enforcement to maintain the profession’s integrity.
Ajiboye, Tijani, and other stakeholders called for collaborative action among government agencies, private entities, and educational institutions to address the growing needs in Nigeria’s healthcare system. They emphasized that immediate intervention is essential to achieve universal healthcare coverage and build a sustainable, accessible healthcare system for all Nigerians.
