VC blames dearth of nursing professionals on japa syndrome

Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, has lamented the dearth of qualified nurses, saying many are leaving the country in droves due to japa syndrome.

To address this challenge, Ezemonye said the institution would continue to partner with the Nursing and Midwifery Council to steady the ship of the profession, and by extension, healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He spoke at the ninth professional oath-taking and induction ceremony of Bachelor of Nursing Science graduands in Okada, Edo State.

Ezemonye reminded that nurses play pivotal roles in the overall healthcare delivery system of any nation and should be well treated.

“It is on record that over 75,000 nurses have left the country in the last five years, which posed an obvious threat to the nation’s healthcare system.

To address this challenge, the vice chancellor said the institution will continue to partner with the nursing council to halt the japa trend.

He tasked the inductees to be hardworking, saying they have a critical role to play in shaping the future of the country’s healthcare through their expertise and commitment to improving lives.