Experts in the nursing profession have decried the dearth of research in nursing education in Nigeria and called for urgent action to address the gaps.
They spoke at the second edition of the yearly Undergraduate Nursing Research Summit and Award ceremony held in Lagos by the non-governmental organisation Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa. The programme, which started last year, aims to close the research gap in the Nigerian university system, especially as nursing departments are emerging in both public and private universities.
Speaking at the second edition in Lagos, the Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo in Ondo State, Professor Omolola Irinoye, noted the dearth of research opportunities for nursing students in Nigeria.
Professor Irinoye, who was the guest speaker, lamented the gaps in research evident among postgraduate students due to poor foundational training. She highlighted the importance of a strong foundation in research for students and the impact it has on their success.
“For some of us who currently supervise MSc and PhD students, we easily see that we have gaps from the foundation. And for some of us that have been in this business, we ask ourselves, what has happened? And what is happening? What we are seeing in the students are reflections of who the teachers are. And if what some of us are seeing in the Masters and PhD supervision, we should not expect anything better from the undergraduates,” she said.
In her remarks, the Convener of Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa, Mrs Oluyemisi Otitoloju, shared her inspiration for the project, which stemmed from observing Nigerian students attending postgraduate programmes in the United Kingdom with low research knowledge.
Otitoloju, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Global Leadership Institute, emphasised the need to mentor young nurses to express themselves effectively in evidence-based practice. The organisation collaborates with schools to identify the strengths and weaknesses of young nurses in research competence.
To help enhance their skills, Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa organised an eight-week mentoring programme from December 2024 to February 2025, with lecturers from Nigeria and abroad volunteering to guide students online. The programme attracted 138 students from various universities across Nigeria.
“For those eight weeks, we were able to take them successfully through academic research,” Mrs Otitoloju said.
Additionally, the organisation sponsored a faculty member to an international research conference in Senegal and supported students in an essay competition. Mrs Otitoloju applauded the turnout at this year’s event, with 63 submissions from ten different universities. This year’s event was won by Redeemer’s University, Ede. Other participating schools included Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife University, University of Benin, and Achievers University. She called for collaboration and sponsorship to ensure wider reach and sustainability.
The keynote speaker, Professor Prisca Adejumo, a nurse practitioner and Medical Sociologist, emphasised the importance of research in advancing the nursing profession. In her presentation titled “Cutting Edge: Advancing Nursing Through Research”, she highlighted how research enables nurses to become trailblazers, influence policies, and transform healthcare systems. Research, she noted, is essential for delivering optimal care. Professor Adejumo encouraged nurses to embrace a culture of inquiry to broaden their minds beyond traditional practices.
In her remarks, the Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State, Mrs Shola Aketi, representing the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on health, underscored the significance of research for national growth.
The event also witnessed an award ceremony for deserving nursing undergraduates. Speeches from Professor Adekemi Olowokere of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, and other faculty members shared insights on the importance of research in nursing education.
