…as Gov. Mbah pledges continued investment in health, education to curb Japa syndrome
The Enugu State College of Nursing and Midwifery has matriculated 240 students—120 each from its Parklane and Awgu campuses—marking a significant milestone following the institution’s upgrade to a Higher National Diploma (HND) awarding college.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and curbing the growing trend of medical brain drain, popularly known as the Japa syndrome.
“We cannot continue training our young professionals, investing heavily in infrastructure and capacity building, only for them to leave the state at the first opportunity,” Mbah stated. “We are working tirelessly to improve working conditions and make service within Enugu not only attractive but fulfilling.”
Highlighting the government’s strategic investments, the governor noted that the highest allocations in the 2024 and 2025 budgets were directed toward education and healthcare—sectors viewed as cornerstones of a thriving society.
He further explained that the institution’s transformation included the provision of advanced medical equipment, modern learning technologies, and the elevation of the former School of Nursing to a full-fledged college. This, he said, was in line with his administration’s campaign promise to build a healthy and prosperous Enugu.
“This bold initiative laid the foundation for medical accreditations across the state, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)’s recognition of the college,” he said.
Governor Mbah revealed that the journey began with the accreditation of the School of Midwifery, enabling students to be indexed and certified after a two-year delay. The success of this move, he said, paved the way for the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and NMCN to approve the institution’s elevation to collegial status.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye, praised the administration’s vision, noting that Enugu was among the first states to adopt the collegiate model. He disclosed that the college now offers students multiple certifications—including the Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), and HND.
Dr. Jaye added that admission capacity had increased from 50 to 240 students, with plans to further scale up in the next academic session. This expansion is designed to complement the 260 Primary Health Centres currently under construction across the state.
He also announced ongoing upgrades at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital and the Enugu International Hospital as part of efforts to retain trained health professionals and reduce the exodus of skilled workers abroad.
In her remarks, Acting Provost of the college, Dr. Nkechi Ani, commended Governor Mbah for his transformational efforts, citing the construction of a fully-equipped ICT centre, frequent staff development initiatives, and the introduction of entrepreneurship training, including digital and software skills. She also lauded international collaborations such as staff participation in courses at the University of Washington.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Rita Ogbodo expressed gratitude to the governor for the institutional upgrade, which now enables them to graduate with four professional certificates—empowering them for greater impact in the health sector.
The event marks a new chapter in nursing education in Enugu, reflecting the state’s renewed commitment to excellence in healthcare training and delivery.
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