University of Jos Inducts 95 Nurses, Pledges Commitment to Improving Healthcare

The University of Jos held a special ceremony to induct 95 graduates from its Department of Nursing Science into the nursing profession. The event emphasized the graduates’ commitment to serving their communities with “sound judgment” and upholding high ethical standards.

Represented by Prof. (Mrs) Mariam Solomon, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Vice Chancellor, prof Ishaya Tanko, commended the department for its dedicated efforts in producing highly skilled nurses who will contribute to improving the standard of healthcare services in Nigeria. Prof. Solomon also emphasized the department’s pioneering role as the first baccalaureate nursing program in the North Central Zone.

Prof. Solomon stressed the importance of the graduates providing nursing care based on their theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. She explained that this need for sound judgment arises from the ever-changing healthcare landscape and the increasing demands of families, groups, and communities

“The paradigm shift in nursing education was occasioned by the fact that the skills obtained from the conventional training institution were no longer adequate to meet the contemporary health needs and challenges of families, groups or communities,” she elaborated

The Dean reassured the graduates of the University’s ongoing support and mentioned the recent acquisition of equipment worth millions of naira which culminated to the department receiving a full accreditation status this year. With plans to expand student intake and enhance the department’s capacity, the University’s commitment to nursing education was evident. She noted.

In his address, Head of Department Dr. O.A. Ogunyewo expressed fervent gratitude for the graduates’ success. “Without any fear of contradiction, I can say that that the graduates we churn out are well-equipped intellectually as they can compete with others from different climes,” he declared, attributing this success to the dedication of well-trained, and intellectually inclined teachers and clinical instructors.

Dr. Ogunyewo also proudly stated that the department’s students have achieved a 100% pass rate in accreditation and examinations six consecutive times. He highlighted the department’s partnerships with healthcare institutions and universities, showing its dedication to research and innovation.

However, Dr. Ogunyewo acknowledged the challenges the department faces, particularly in terms of resource availability. He appealed to stakeholders, especially alumni, to contribute more books, journals, training, and ICT equipment to enhance the department’s resources, particularly as it prepares for professional accreditation.

During the induction ceremony, the new nurses took an oath administered by Mr. Yahaya Sunni, Director of Social Duties at the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN), who represented the registrar/secretary general of N&MCN, Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubakar. Mr. Sunni reminded the graduates of their responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards, encouraging collaboration with other healthcare team members and continuous learning from their experiences.