The Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, has raised fresh concerns over the alarming rate of nurse migration from Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to implement a special salary structure for nurses to curb the trend. He made this passionate appeal during the University’s second induction ceremony for its Nursing Science graduates, held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the institution’s campus in Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State.

Addressing dignitaries at the event, including the Registrar and Secretary-General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), parents, faculty members, and nursing elders, Professor Igbasan described the ceremony as a historic moment for the university and the nation’s health sector. He commended the dedication of the inductees and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families, affirming that the occasion marked the reward of five years of commitment, discipline, and excellence.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor commended the keynote speaker, Professor Christiana Olanrewaju Sowunmi, Dean, School of Nursing, Babcock University, for addressing the theme, “Breaking the Mold: Rethinking the Role of Nurses in National Development in the 21st Century.” He noted that the discussion was both timely and urgent, given the increasing labour turnover in the healthcare sector. According to Professor Igbasan, the mass exodus of nurses poses a growing threat to national wellbeing and must be addressed by all stakeholders.

He referenced last year’s keynote address by Dr. Dorothy Odetola of the University of Ibadan, who warned against the unchecked rise of the “Japa Syndrome” and its long-term consequences on healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Professor Igbasan urged the new nurses to reflect carefully on their career paths and to contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of Nigeria’s health infrastructure. “Shine your eyes and look before you leap,” he advised, borrowing Dr. Odetola’s words.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the inductees for their stellar performance, especially their 100% success rate in the March 2025 Professional Examinations conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. He attributed this achievement to the dedication of the students, the leadership of the Provost of the College of Allied Health Sciences, Professor Lucy Airauhi, and the hard work of College members.

Encouraging the graduates, Professor Igbasan highlighted the noble responsibilities that lie ahead in their professional journey. “Nursing is more than clinical expertise, it demands empathy, compassion, critical thinking, and the ability to provide comfort in the most vulnerable moments of a patient’s life,” he said. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, interprofessional collaboration, and strong ethical conduct in their day-to-day practice.

Turning to the broader national issue, Professor Igbasan called on the Federal Government to act decisively. “Over 57,000 nurses migrated from Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. In 2024 alone, nearly 15,500 more left. This is an ominous sign for the nation’s healthcare system,” he lamented, citing statistics from the Nursing and Midwifery Council as published in The Punch newspaper. He advocated for special remuneration for nurses, similar to those in the judiciary and petroleum sectors, to retain skilled personnel.

In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the NMCN Registrar, the Guest Speaker, members of the University Management, the Faculty of Nursing Science, and parents for their collective support. He urged the new nurses to be proud ambassadors of McPherson University, to remain resilient in the face of challenges, and to never lose sight of the calling that drew them into the profession—making a difference in the lives of others.