NMCN delay in induction of AAU Ekpoma Nursing Sciences Graduates frustrate Health Sector Manpower

There has been hues and cry as Nursing Science graduates in Nigeria make bold to migrate aboard for greener pastures, with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) standing in to frustrate such moves through bureaucratic approaches and tactics in release of documents they require from the Council.

The delay by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in conducting the induction ceremony for nursing graduates in Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma, years after graduation when other universities graduates behind the institution have been done is a significant issue affecting the country’s healthcare system.

The induction is a prerequisite for graduates to obtain their practicing licenses, and any delay can have several adverse effects and Gentechnews want the Federal Ministry of Health to direct the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to do the needful by inducting the AAU Ekpoma Nursing Sciences Gradates without further delay for them to commence their internship and boost the manpower needed in the Health Sector.

Gentechnews therefore has streamlined on the flaws caused by the delay in the induction of Nursing Sciences Graduates and the way forward:

1. Impact on Workforce Availability

• Graduates remain unable to practice despite completing their education, exacerbating the existing shortage of nursing professionals in the health sector.
• Healthcare facilities, especially in underserved rural areas, face greater challenges in meeting patient care demands.

2. Financial and Emotional Strain on Graduates

• Graduates experience delays in earning a livelihood, leading to financial hardships.
• Many face emotional distress due to prolonged uncertainty about their professional future.

3. Reduced Interest in the Profession

• Persistent delays may discourage prospective students from pursuing nursing and midwifery as a career.
• It could also lead to brain drain, where talented graduates seek opportunities in other countries.

4. Health Sector Crisis

• Delays in inducting new nurses contribute to overburdening the existing workforce, potentially compromising the quality of care.
• This can hinder the achievement of national health objectives and negatively impact public health outcomes.

Potential Solutions

To mitigate these delays, the NMCN and other stakeholders could consider:

• Streamlining Processes: Digitizing and automating aspects of the induction process to enhance efficiency.
• Timely Communication: Keeping institutions and graduates informed about induction schedules and any changes.
• Decentralization: Conducting inductions at regional centers to ease logistical challenges.
• Policy Intervention: Collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to address bureaucratic hurdles.

This issue requires urgent attention from Federal Government to prevent further deterioration of Nigeria’s health sector and to support the growth of a robust nursing workforce.