By NewsDesk
A professor of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Prof. Christiana Sowunmi, has called for urgent policy intervention to regulate the growing number of nursing training institutions across Nigeria, warning that unchecked expansion could compromise the quality of healthcare delivery.
Speaking on Thursday at a public lecture organised by the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Trinity University, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos, Sowunmi described the proliferation of nursing schools as a “double-edged sword” that carries both opportunities and risks.
The lecture, titled “The Proliferation Of Nursing Training Institutions In Nigeria: The Perceived Pains And Gains,” brought together academics, students, and healthcare stakeholders to deliberate on the future of nursing education in the country.
“In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in the establishment of nursing training institutions across Nigeria,” Sowunmi noted. “While this growth seeks to address the shortage of healthcare professionals, quality assurance remains a critical concern.”
She stressed the need for a balanced approach to expansion, urging government and regulatory agencies to ensure that the rising number of institutions do not dilute educational standards or produce inadequately trained nurses.
“The rapid proliferation of nursing training institutions in Nigeria represents both a remarkable opportunity and a significant challenge,” she said. “Balancing the gains with effective regulatory oversight, infrastructure investment, and alignment with market needs is critical.”
Sowunmi highlighted the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system, describing them as “caregivers, educators, advocates, and collaborators.”
“Our role is essential in delivering patient-centred care, promoting wellness, and ensuring the smooth functioning of healthcare systems,” she said. “Without nurses, the healthcare system would face significant challenges in addressing the needs of patients effectively.”
According to her, the history of nursing education in Nigeria has evolved from hospital-based training centres to an expanding network of institutions backed by both the government and private sector.
“Traditionally, nursing education in Nigeria began with a few hospital-based training centres, but since the post-independence era, the government and private sectors have expanded training opportunities to address a severe nursing shortage,” she said.
Citing data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Sowunmi revealed that as of January 2025, there were over 400 nursing training institutions in the country.
She also acknowledged the international recognition of Nigerian-trained nurses, who are increasingly in demand abroad due to their resilience and competence.
“Nigerian-trained nurses are highly sought after internationally due to their skills and adaptability. This has led to a significant number of nurses seeking opportunities abroad,” she added.
Looking ahead, Sowunmi advocated for reforms grounded in quality, equity, and professionalism.
“As we look to the future, let us embrace this growth with a commitment to quality, equity, and professionalism. Together, we can turn this phenomenon into a story of transformation, building a healthcare workforce that is skilled, ethical, and deeply committed to the health of our nation,” she said.