The Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital has pledged stronger collaboration with the University of Calabar (UniCal) to enhance clinical training, practical exposure and professional development opportunities for nursing and midwifery students.
The hospital’s Commander, Commodore Ahmadu Mohammed, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to Prof. Alberta Nsemo, Head of UniCal’s Department of Nursing Science, on Tuesday at the university’s Calabar campus.
Mohammed said the visit was aimed at appreciating the department and university management for their commitment to producing competent nurses and midwives who support Nigeria’s healthcare system effectively and sustainably.
He said the hospital was prepared to deepen its relationship with the department through training, internships, clinical placements and deployment opportunities for nursing students, aimed at strengthening professional skills and readiness.
“We look forward to strengthening the cordial relationship between the Naval Reference Hospital and the Department of Nursing Science,” Mohammed said.
He also reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to advancing nursing education through sustained collaboration.
“We are willing to accept UniCal nursing students for clinical placements; the initiative is part of our contribution to the professional development of the nurses,” he said.
Mohammed, a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, National Defence College and West African College of Physicians, added that he was accompanied by other senior nurses from the hospital.
Responding, Nsemo thanked the naval delegation for the visit, describing the proposed partnership as “another avenue for the progress” of the department and university, with significant prospects for advancement.
She said the collaboration would provide students with increased opportunities for practical exposure and hands-on clinical experience, complementing classroom-based theoretical knowledge and strengthening professional competence for future healthcare service.
According to her, enhanced clinical exposure will improve students’ competence and confidence while preparing them for effective professional practice as nurses and midwives capable of meeting contemporary healthcare demands.
She expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen ties between UniCal and the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital while promoting the development of highly skilled nursing professionals across the country.
The visit ended with the naval delegation presenting a commemorative gift to Nsemo in appreciation of the warm reception accorded them.
