The Registrar and Secretary General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, has inducted 64 new graduates of McPherson University into the nursing profession. This follows the institution’s notable performance in the recent General Nursing Examination, reflecting its rising academic excellence and commitment to healthcare education.
The induction ceremony, held at the university’s new multi-purpose hall, drew dignitaries from across the country, including the Director of Nursing Services, Ogun State, and representatives from other universities and colleges of nursing. The event marked a significant moment for the inductees, their families, and the wider academic and healthcare community.
Addressing the newly inducted nurses, the Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Prof. Francis Igbasan, delivered a moving speech, emphasizing the responsibilities and emotional demands of nursing. “As nurses, you will be trusted with people’s stories, fears, and hopes. Your duty will go beyond physical care, you will be healers, comforters, and advocates,” he said. He also praised the students’ rigorous training and expressed confidence in their ability to thrive in the profession.
Prof. Igbasan further encouraged the inductees to embrace continuous learning and humility. “The technical skills and people management training you have received are just the beginning. Be open to learning from experienced colleagues. Remember that empathy, critical thinking, and communication are just as essential as clinical knowledge,” he advised.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed concern over the increasing migration of nurses from Nigeria. Referring to the “japa syndrome,” he called on the Federal Government to introduce a special salary scale for nurses. “In five years, over 57,000 nurses left the country, and in 2024 alone, nearly 15,500 more followed. If we don’t act now, the nation’s fragile health sector may collapse,” he warned, quoting data from the Nursing Council and other sources.
Guest Speaker, Prof. Christiana Olaruwaju Sowunmi, Dean of the School of Nursing at Babcock University, delivered a thought-provoking keynote titled “Breaking the Mold: Rethinking the Role of Nurses in National Development in the 21st Century.” She urged the inductees to embrace their roles not just as caregivers but as nation builders. “You are the heartbeat of healthcare, the bridge between science and compassion. Be the nurse who leads, questions, advocates, and innovates,” she charged.
Prof. Sowunmi highlighted the multifaceted contributions of nurses to national development. She cited their impact on public health, education, and emergency response, describing them as catalysts in strengthening healthcare systems and promoting gender equity. “Nurses are often the first point of contact in underserved areas. Their influence spans from maternal and child health to health education and disease prevention,” she explained.
She also emphasized nurses’ roles in economic development, policy advocacy, and social transformation. “Nurses help reduce healthcare costs, support job creation, and improve national resilience. They are increasingly founding NGOs, influencing policy, and championing social justice,” she said, referencing global health authorities such as WHO and ICN.
The address concluded with a call to integrate nurses into national development strategies, especially in the context of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “From SDG 3 on health to SDG 5 on gender equality, nurses are indispensable. Their educational roles, clinical leadership, and community engagement drive sustainable change,” she stated.
In closing, Prof. Sowunmi underscored the importance of technology in modern nursing. “Digital health, telemedicine, and data analytics are reshaping healthcare. Nigerian nurses must lead this transformation. With the right tools and support, you can extend care to remote areas, predict outbreaks, and build a healthier nation,” she concluded, leaving the graduates inspired and empowered for the future ahead. Addressing the inductees after the oath taking, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, the Registrar and Secretary General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, emphasized that the quality of graduating nursing students is a reflection of the seasoned professionals who have mentored and surrounded them throughout their training. He acknowledged the vital role played by experienced elders in shaping not only the new nurses but also his own journey in the profession, noting that their guidance helped make him the nurse he is today. Addressing the inductees, he referred to them as his colleagues and urged them to carry themselves with the responsibility, dignity, and professionalism that the title demands, reminding them to act like true members of the nursing profession.
