VICE Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana, Prof. Lydia Aziato, has stressed the need for African nurses to aspire to leadership positions to change the narrative of the profession.

Aziato, who spoke at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), observed that in the West, the numbers of nurse leaders are more unlike in Africa.

She said: “We need to be deliberate in collaboration and partnership. There is a need for sustainable intervention for nursing and midwifery.”

University of Lagos Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by CMUL Provost, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, said: “Nobody rewards efforts. They reward impact. We must build bridges that make nursing stronger, more resilient and impactful. Leadership in nursing must transcend the administrative role. It must embody vision, innovation and advocacy.”

On her part, Local Organising Chairperson, Dr Abosede Farotimi, stated: “As nurses, we must learn how to collaborate, either internationally or locally. We also need to partner with policymakers in the education sector. We must embrace evidence-based nursing practice. We are also emphasising mentoring and leadership.”

President, National Association of University Nursing Programmes, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, said that building capacities for new developments and quality access is not something that could be done within one profession.

She, therefore, stressed the need to work together to produce quality graduates that could meet local needs and be competitive globally.

“We must work with everybody. We must seek support,” she said.