Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a significant move to bolster its healthcare and education sectors, the Nigerian government has dramatically increased the annual enrolment quota for nursing students from 28,000 to 115,000 over just two years.
Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa announced this achievement on Monday, highlighting that the government has exceeded its initial goal of enrolling 110,000 students annually in nursing programs.
According to Alausa, this success is attributed to a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, led by Coordinating Minister Muhammad Pate, and reflects a greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM).
“This increased enrolment capacity signals a transformative era for nursing education in Nigeria, positioning the country to meet domestic and global demands for qualified healthcare professionals,” Alausa stated.
He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, industry leaders, and teaching hospitals, who played pivotal roles in reaching this target.
The expansion in nursing student enrolment is part of a broader strategy to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers in Nigeria, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing emigration of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
In light of the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, including a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:1,160—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:300—authorities are investing in infrastructure upgrades across 18 nursing institutions to accommodate the influx of students.
New colleges will be established, while existing ones will be expanded and re-equipped.
As Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah recently urged graduating nursing students to remain in Nigeria, the government acknowledges that while increased enrolment is a step forward, it is not an immediate solution to the country’s healthcare challenges.
