The Head of Department of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife, Prof. Omolola Irinoye has charged Nursing professionals not to be limited to hospital practice, but to get more involved in community based practices.
Prof. Irinoye gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the maiden induction ceremony of graduating pioneer students of Nursing, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state.
Irinoye who is a specialist in community, sexual and reproductive health nursing, harped on a nursing education that would be responsive to the modern needs of the profession.
She challenged Nurses to look beyond the hospital or classrooms in order to achieve the sustainable development goals and universal heath coverage.
The University Don said with the introduction of a new curricula that would focus on health technology and emerging trends in the profession, the students and practitioners would be better for it.
“Nurse education and training programme must graduate Nurses who drive progress in primary health care and universal health coverage.
“Actions must include investment I’m Nursing faculty, availability of clinics sites and accessibility of programme offered to attract a diverse student body.
“Our curricula must aligned with national health priorities as well as emerging global issues to prepare Nurses to work effectively in interprofessional teams and maximise graduate competencies in health technology,” Irinoye suggested.
Prof. Irinoye also took time to appraise Achievers University’s contribution to education in the country, adding that what she saw on ground after personal observation, points to an institution that is a model for Nigerian University.
She congratulated the Pro-chancellor, Dr Bode Ayorinde on his achievements in the education sector, urging him not to relent until the institution achieve its set objectives.
The Nursing Professor also appreciated the Registrar of Nursing and Midwifery council, Mr Farouk Umar Abubakar for setting the pace in achieving postgraduate studies in the profession.
She added that the increase in the quota of Nursing students to 100 from 50 is a welcome development.
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