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Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association (NUNSA) has called on the Federal Government to implement policies that support nurses, improve their working environment and establish clear pathways for career advancement.
The call was made during a press briefing to announce the union’s 28th Annual General Assembly, which begins today and runs through Saturday, April 12.
The week-long convention, tagged, ‘Eko Flare 2025,’ and themed: “Empowering Nurses: A catalyst for sustainable healthcare in Africa” is holding for the first time in Lagos at the College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
NUNSA President, Jimoh Khadija, underscored the significance of the theme, stressing the vital role nurses play in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.
Highlighting key challenges facing nurses in Nigeria, including poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, high patient-to-nurse ratios, limited opportunities for career growth and poor infrastructure, Khadija emphasised that these challenges must be addressed through targeted policies, collaboration with stakeholders, and increased capacity building.
President of NUNSA, University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter, Blessing Bello, described the convention as a transformative platform for learning, networking and influencing the future of healthcare in the country.
“This is more than an event; it’s a milestone,” she said, reaffirming UNILAG’s dedication to excellence and innovation in nursing education, while noting that the redesigned convention aims to inspire participants and set a new standard for future gatherings.
In response to public concerns over reports of unprofessional behaviour by some nurses in public hospitals, acting Head of Department, Nursing Science, College of Medicine, UNILAG, Dr. Abosede Farotimi, clarified that such incidents were not representative of the profession.
She acknowledged the presence of a few bad actors, but insisted that the majority of nurses were committed to their duties and professional ethics.
“Nurses are trained to offer tender loving care. That’s why during our admission process, we ensure only passionate and genuinely interested candidates are selected,” she said, stressing that the profession maintains high ethical standards and doesn’t tolerate misconduct.
Farotimi urged the government to prioritise the welfare of nurses by improving hospital infrastructure and providing adequate medical equipment. This, she said, would help stem the rising trend of health professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, a trend widely known as the ‘Japa’ syndrome.
Echoing similar sentiments, chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Samuel Joseph, stressed the need to empower nurses with the necessary skills, knowledge and leadership opportunities to transform healthcare delivery across Africa.
“This year’s theme is more than a slogan, it’s a call to action. By empowering nurses, we lay the foundation for resilient, community-based and sustainable healthcare systems,” Joseph said.
The convention will feature several innovative programmes, including Nurseathon Competition, Virtual Reality Clinical Training, and Walk Against Quackery campaign. These activities are aimed at enhancing practical skills, promoting leadership and combating unsafe healthcare practices.
Workshops and panel discussions will address critical topics, such as workforce development, healthcare policy advocacy and strategies to retain nursing talent in Africa.
