UCH’s nursing school to become degree awarding

The School of Nursing, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has graduated 246 nurses to boost Nigeria’s health work force just as plans to upgrade the school to a degree awarding institution was announced by the hospital.

Speaking at the 2015 and 2016 joint graduation ceremony and presentation of awards, UCH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Temitope  Alonge said the upgrade was in line with the guidelines of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Alonge declared that plans to upgrade the school had reached top level, adding “we have gone as far as the Senate of University of Ibadan, so it is a reality very soon.”

The CMD declared that the upgrade of the school was in line with current practice in developed countries like USA, adding “by 2020, no nurse will be allowed to work in USA unless she is a graduate and that is the focus of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”

He stated also that the hospital had made provision for 20 intern nurses, in furtherance of its support for the change in nursing training policy.

Alonge described the school as foremost in nursing training, urged the new nurses to inspire to reach the top of their profession like other alumni of the school.

Dr Victor Akinmoladun, Chairman Medical Advisory Committee and Chairman of the ceremony told the new nurses to used their acquired skill to excel in their chosen career wherever they go.

Mrs Iyabo Afolabi, a retired head of department, Nursing education at the hospital and special guest of honour at the occasion urged them to have a positive attitude to the profession.

The economic recession, Nigeria is passing through, she said require that they be also creative and innovative in proffering solution and remaining relevant in the nursing profession.

She challenged them to be proactive on opportunities to advance in and improve the nursing profession as well as upholding the ethics of the profession.

Earlier, Head of Nursing Education department, Mrs Morounke Awodiya had said the main responsibility of the department was both to provide education for nurses at a high standard and also ensure sustainability of future leaders for nursing.

She urged the new nurses, “we have shown you by teaching and examples that the least expected of you at all times are the best as you face different challenges in practice.”