The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, says Nigeria must integrate digital health, telemedicine, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into nursing education and clinical practice to prepare future nurses for modern healthcare challenges.
Alhassan said this on Tuesday at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, where he emphasized that nurses of the future must be tech-savvy and capable of leveraging data to improve patient outcomes.
“There is a need to invest more in postgraduate nursing education and research to produce local evidence for practice.
This will help train more Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners to address key gaps in our healthcare system,” he said.
The registrar urged graduates and faculty members to become strong advocates for health policy reforms and to take on leadership roles in hospitals, government, and academia.
“Your degree is not merely a credential. It is a call to lead, to innovate, and to transform healthcare delivery,” Alhassan added.
Also speaking, Rep. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ido/Ibadan East Federal Constituency, described the Faculty’s 60 years of impact in nursing education as a remarkable achievement.
He said the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Ibadan had become a beacon of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism — not only in Nigeria but across West Africa.
“Since its inception, the faculty has produced generations of caregivers, educators, and health leaders whose work continues to save lives, promote wellness, and uplift communities.
For six decades, it has stood as a beacon of knowledge and moral strength, nurturing men and women whose hands heal, whose minds enlighten, and whose hearts serve humanity with uncommon devotion,” he said.
Oseni, however, expressed concern over the mass exodus of trained nurses to other countries in search of better working conditions, modern equipment, and fair remuneration.
“This brain drain weakens our healthcare system and threatens the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians who depend on our caregivers.
It is a reality that demands urgent, innovative solutions — from improved welfare and professional recognition to the provision of modern facilities and continuous training.
The health of our people is the wealth of our nation, and no country can prosper when its healers are weary and its caregivers are leaving in droves,” he said.
Oseni reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the health and wellbeing of Nigerians through policies and initiatives that strengthen the healthcare system.
In his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, commended the Faculty of Nursing for six decades of excellence in education and service delivery.
Represented by his wife, Olori Abiwumi Owoade, the monarch described the milestone as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the faculty, staff, and alumni.
“Your commitment to providing quality healthcare and shaping the future of nursing is commendable.
Ibadan, the city of this great institution, has a rich history of academic excellence and cultural heritage closely tied to Oyo. That bond will surely continue.
The University of Ibadan has long been a beacon of knowledge and innovation, and I am honored to be part of this celebration,” he said.
