- As Nursing Science dept hold 2024 Nurses Week
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State is in discussion with universities abroad including Kentucky University, USA, towards the inclusion of its nursing department in their mobility programmes.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Kate Omenugha made the disclosure at the Igbariam campus of the university during the 2024 Nurses Week organised by the university in conjunction with the Department of Nursing Science.
Prof. Omenugha noted that when the linkage and collaboration deal is sealed, some of their students can travel to those countries as part of their programme.
She described nursing as not just a profession but a calling to serve others, make a difference and to bring comfort and healing to those in need.
She stressed the vital role of nursing in medicine globally describing the profession as the heartbeat of medicine, underlining the university’s commitment to providing students with the necessary education and resources to thrive in the global world.
“Nurses have been the backbone of the health sector. Their dedication to improving the health and well being of others is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to us. It is also a well paying job seen by its viability in the global world. That’s why every year we have more people seeking admission to the field of nursing.
“Unfortunately, more than 70% of people applying to nursing do not get admission because of our carrying capacity and the availability of infrastructure. In the coming years, we will see this worsening as the university is making nursing even more attractive despite dwindling resources” she said.
The Head of the Department of Nursing Sciences, Dr Ada Ibekwe who is also the host, said the week was dedicated to recognize and appreciate the remarkable work nurses do on daily basis to care for their patients with skill, compassion and unwavering dedication.
She recalled that the Nurses Week is an annual international celebration observed by nurses in various nursing institutions worldwide to honour the founder of the nursing profession, Florence Nightingale
The HOD gave a commitment that as a department, they were fully committed to supporting their student’s professional growth and providing them with the resources and practical opportunities they need to excel.
“The Department of Nursing Science COOU Igbariam has successfully passed the resource verification exercise from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN). As we prepare for full accreditation from these bodies, a criterion for indexing and nursing council exams, it is essential that we meet the necessary requirements to ensure full accreditation” she posited.
Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo who spoke on the theme “Promoting Healthy Living Through Nursing Care Practice” emphasized the importance of building bridges across critical domains to promote healthy living
Represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike , the governor’s wife said she is championing a healthy living programme, teaching people how they can live healthy lives by consuming natural foods.
She highlighted the significance of nursing care practice in promoting healthy living and commended the department for their dedication to the cause
Mrs Soludo noted that there are a lots of diseases especially the non-communicable ones like diabetes, high blood pressure which can be reversed through change in diet and lifestyle and expressed desire to partner with the Department of Nursing Sciences of the institution in order to improve lives in Anambra. She also presented fresh fruits of various types and sanitary pads to the Department.
The programme also featured interactive sessions with the parents, Florence Nightingale display and dances among others.