The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare at all levels of the health system, including in hard-to-reach and underserved communities across the country.

The Registrar of the council, Ndagi Alhassan, made the pledge during the induction of 325 foreign-trained nursing graduates into the nursing profession in Abuja.

He also urged members of the profession to embrace lifelong learning by pursuing higher qualifications, including master’s and doctoral degrees, to deepen their knowledge, enhance their skills and expand their impact on healthcare delivery.

Alhassan urged the newly inducted nurses and midwives to discharge their responsibilities professionally, stressing the critical role they play in improving Nigerians’ health and well-being.

He noted that the graduates came from 12 institutions across the various countries, including Cameroon, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, India, Liberia, Morocco, Niger Republic, Sudan and had successfully completed the mandatory adaptation programme at Departments of Nursing Sciences in 13 Nigerian universities and a College of Nursing.

The adaptation programme was conducted at institutions including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; the University of Ibadan; the University of Port Harcourt; Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Federal University, Gombe; the University of Ilorin; and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, among others.

Alhassan charged the inductees to be worthy ambassadors of the nursing profession. “Let your compassion, respect and dedication shine through in every interaction with patients and colleagues,” he said.

“Uphold the highest ethical standards by always prioritising the well-being of your patients and acting in accordance with the nursing code of ethics. This commitment follows you wherever your career path takes you. Remember that self-care is essential while tirelessly serving others. Do not neglect your own physical and mental well-being.”

The registrar also urged them to remain committed to serving Nigerians, noting that their dedication could make a significant difference in countless lives. He said, “Your skills and dedication are highly required, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Practice responsible social media usage and maintain professionalism, especially during work hours.”

Speaking on behalf of Heads of Nursing Departments in Nigerian universities, the Head of the Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesola Ogunfowokan, reminded the inductees that becoming a nurse requires enormous sacrifices of time, finances and personal commitment.

She described nursing as one of the world’s most trusted professions and urged the new nurses to preserve that trust by providing safe, evidence-based and ethical healthcare at all times.

According to her, the licences issued to them symbolise public confidence in their competence and integrity and should never be compromised. “The licence you are receiving today represents accountability and your solemn covenant with society. Do not betray the trust placed in you,” she said.

Ogunfowokan encouraged the nurses to pursue specialist training, participate actively in professional associations and attend local and international conferences to remain globally competitive.

She also advised them against unnecessary rivalry with other healthcare professionals, stressing the importance of understanding and respecting the boundaries of nursing practice.

“You are a nurse, not a doctor or pharmacist. Know your professional limits and work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team,” she said.

She further warned against falsifying medical records, describing honesty in documentation as a fundamental ethical obligation. Ogunfowokan also emphasised the need to protect patients’ confidentiality, respect cultural diversity and maintain professional integrity throughout their careers.

While acknowledging that many Nigerian nurses seek employment opportunities abroad, she appealed to them not to forget their country but to help strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Nigeria is your home. Even if you travel abroad, come back and give back to your country through nursing education, research, leadership and quality healthcare delivery,” she said.

She also called on governments and other stakeholders to improve the welfare of nurses through better remuneration, improved working conditions, expanded career development opportunities and a more supportive practice environment.

According to her, improved welfare would help reduce the migration of skilled Nigerian nurses to other countries.