Nursing council inducts 188 foreign-trained nurses
By Ojoma Akor
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has inducted 325 graduates of nursing science from foreign universities into the nursing profession in the country.
They were inducted on Tuesday during the council’s 16th induction ceremony for foreign-trained nurses in Abuja.
Speaking during the ceremony, the registrar of the Council, Ndagi Alhassan, said the inductees graduated from 12 institutions across various countries and have completed their adaptation program at the Department of Nursing Sciences across 13 prestigious Nigerian universities and the College of Nursing.
The adaptation programs were conducted in institutions including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Ibadan; University of Port Harcourt; Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Federal University, Gombe; University of Ilorin; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, among others.
He said the countries the inductees graduated from include Cameroon, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, India, Liberia, Morocco, Niger Republic, and Sudan.
Ndagi also said that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is dedicated to ensuring the country has a well-equipped national medical workforce ready to deliver quality care at all levels of the health care system. This includes serving in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
He urged the inductees to be exemplary ambassadors of the nursing profession.
“Let your compassion, respect, and dedication shine through to every interaction with patients and colleagues. Uphold the highest ethical standards by always prioritizing the well-being of your patients and acting in accordance with the nursing code of ethics.
“This commitment follows you wherever the career path takes you. Remember self-care is essential while tirelessly serving others. Do not neglect your own physical and mental well-being.”
The registrar also enjoined them to remember that their commitment to serving fellow Nigerians can make a significant difference in countless lives.
He said, “Furthermore, to advance your career and elevate the entire profession, consider embracing lifelong learning and exploring opportunities for professional development, including pursuing higher degrees like master’s and PhD programs in nursing. Uphold your fundamental responsibilities and consider the vital role you can play in improving the health of Nigerians.
“Your skills and dedication are highly required, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Practice responsible social media usage and maintain professionalism, especially during work hours. In conclusion, I have full confidence that you have received the necessary guidance on what to do after this induction.”
Prof. Adesola Ogunfowokan, Head of the Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who spoke on behalf of Heads of Nursing Departments in Nigerian universities, reminded them that becoming a nurse required enormous sacrifices of time, finances and personal commitment, adding that the profession remained one of the most trusted globally.
She said, “You have officially joined one of the most respected professions in the world. Today marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of compassion, leadership and continuous learning.”
Ogunfowokan urged the nurses to protect the trust reposed in them by patients and society by providing safe, evidence-based and ethical healthcare at all times.
She highlighted that the licenses issued to them symbolized public confidence in their competence and integrity and warned against any conduct capable of undermining the profession.
“The license you are receiving today represents accountability and your solemn covenant with society. Do not betray the trust placed in you,” she said.
She also encouraged the newly inducted nurses to pursue specialized training, participate actively in professional associations and attend local and international conferences to remain globally competitive.
She advised against unnecessary rivalry with other healthcare professionals, adding that they should understand and respect the boundaries of nursing practice.
“You are a nurse, not a doctor or pharmacist. Know your professional limits and work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team,” she advised.
Ogunfowokan also warned against falsifying medical records, stressing that honesty in documentation remained a core ethical obligation for every nurse.
She further emphasized the importance of protecting patients’ confidentiality, respecting cultural diversity, and maintaining professional integrity throughout their careers.
While acknowledging that many Nigerian nurses seek opportunities abroad, Ogunfowokan appealed to the inductees to remember their homeland and contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Nigeria is your home. Even if you travel abroad, come back and give back to your country through nursing education, research, leadership and quality healthcare delivery,” she appealed.
She called on governments and other stakeholders to improve nurses’ welfare through better remuneration, improved working conditions, expanded career development opportunities and a more supportive practice environment.
She added that enhanced welfare would significantly reduce the migration of highly skilled Nigerian nurses to foreign countries.