Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has encouraged nursing students in the state to stay and practice locally after graduation, emphasizing the need to combat the growing brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, during the maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session of the College of Nursing, Enugu, Mbah highlighted the government’s substantial investment in the training of health professionals.
He urged the 240 newly admitted students—split equally between the Parklane and Awgu campuses—to give back by contributing to the local healthcare system.
Now upgraded to a Higher National Diploma (HND)-awarding institution, the college symbolizes a broader effort by the state to transform healthcare and position Enugu as a hub for medical excellence.
Decrying the increasing trend of the “japa syndrome,” where young professionals seek opportunities abroad, Mbah stressed that such a mindset undermines state policy and development goals.
“We make significant investments in your education, and it’s disheartening to see graduates leave the country at the first opportunity. Our aim is to create an environment that encourages you to stay and serve,” he stated.
The governor reaffirmed that education and health remain top priorities in the state’s budget allocations for 2024 and 2025. Beyond technical training, he emphasized the importance of cultivating a spirit of service in students.
Mbah pointed to the upgrade of the college and the introduction of modern facilities as part of his administration’s vision to improve healthcare and fulfill campaign promises. These efforts earned the institution accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and other relevant bodies.
He also recounted how his administration addressed a two-year delay in student indexing by inviting NMCN officials to accredit the School of Midwifery, ensuring students could register and take their professional exams. Further collaborations with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and NMCN followed, with substantial financial and institutional backing.
Dr. Yomi Jaye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, praised the reforms, noting that Enugu was among the first states to adopt a collegiate model that enables students to graduate with multiple qualifications—OND, Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, and HND.
The college’s enrollment has grown from 50 to 240 students, with plans for further expansion to support the development of 260 Primary Health Centres across the state. The state also intends to upgrade the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospitals and the Enugu International Hospital to international standards.
In her welcome address, Acting Provost Dr. Nkechi Ani highlighted achievements under the Mbah administration, including facility upgrades, a new ICT center, staff development, digital skills programs, and international partnerships such as with the University of Washington.
Student representative Rita Ogbodo expressed gratitude, noting that the college’s transformation and new qualifications significantly enhance their future career prospects.
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