NOUN Seeks Pathway To Train More Nurses

The management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has begun discussions with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) on a proposed review of its Bachelor of Nursing Science programme.

This is part of efforts to expand access to nursing education and help address the country’s growing demand for healthcare professionals.

In this regard, NOUN recently met with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to discuss a review of the structure of its Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSC) programme.

The move by the university aims to accommodate a wider range of qualified candidates.

The meeting took place when the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, led an 11-member delegation on a courtesy visit to the NMCN office in Abuja.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the visit was aimed at aligning the university’s Open and Distance Learning approach with the council’s regulatory standards.

Prof Uduma stated that NOUN’s mandate is to make education accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of background, citing the recent graduation of 51 inmates during the university’s last convocation as an example of its commitment.

“We are here to ensure that our nursing programme reflects that same inclusivity.

“A significant number of Nigerians who wish to pursue nursing are unable to enrol under the current admission structure.

“We are proposing a framework that allows O’Level holders to gain entry while meeting all professional and clinical requirements,” he said.

Uduma assured the council that NOUN would not compromise on standards and is prepared to provide the necessary medical facilities, supervise clinical attachments, and practical training components in line with NMCN guidelines.

“Open and Distance Learning has come to stay globally. We are ready to abide by your regulations and work within your framework,” he added.

The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Helen Kwanashie, said NOUN has the academic capacity and infrastructure to train competent nurses who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.

She noted that the initiative could also support the development of generic nurses trained from the secondary school level, thereby strengthening the healthcare workforce.

On his part, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, emphasised that all proposed training locations would be established and operated in accordance with NMCN approval and supervision.

He commended the council for its consistent regulatory role in maintaining professional standards in the country.

Responding, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NMCN, Dr Hassan Ndagi, thanked the NOUN delegation for the visit and acknowledged the university’s vision and the history it shared during the engagement.

The Registrar said the council is open to receiving the proposed working framework from NOUN, after which it will convene a technical meeting with the university’s management to deliberate on the next steps and modalities for implementation.