The Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Prof. Jonathan Babalola, has stated that adequate clinical training experience is essential for nursing scientists to deliver proficient services in the global healthcare sector.
He made this remark on Thursday, 19 September 2024, during the 5th induction and awards ceremony for 46 graduating students from the university’s Nursing Sciences programme.
According to him, no nursing scientist should be allowed to practice in the health sector, whether public or private, in Nigeria or elsewhere, without sufficient clinical training exposure. He noted that this is vital for saving lives and preventing untimely deaths in hospitals.
Prof. Babalola emphasized that Bowen University is fully equipped to train nursing graduates, providing them with comprehensive knowledge of the art of care and the science of healing. He added that the institution ensures rigorous clinical training before presenting graduates for induction.
He reiterated Bowen University’s commitment to empowering its undergraduates with excellent skills related to their chosen professions, alongside entrepreneurial education for which they have the aptitude.
Prof. Babalola acknowledged the inevitability of brain drain among medical scientists and other professionals, saying it has unique advantages for both the nation and the migrants.
He noted that migrants gain access to 21st-century technologies, allowing them to acquire more knowledge that will benefit their countries later in life, in addition to personal financial gains.
He, however, urged the new inductees to explore opportunities for working abroad but advised them to allow God to guide their decisions.
On her part, Prof. Christiana Sowunmi from Babcock University, who delivered the induction lecture titled Global Healthcare Game-Changer: The Remarkable Impact of Nigerian Nurse Migration, asserted that brain drain for brain gain is necessary for nation-building.
She explained that while brain drain might lead to manpower shortages, it creates opportunities for more employment, and brain gain from migration brings wealth and skills back to the country.
She encouraged the new inductees to complete their nursing programme and become registered nurses before leaving the country for better opportunities, urging them to support the development of their alma mater and contribute to the nation’s growth.
Prof. Sowunmi further commended Bowen University for the excellent performance of its nursing graduates in their professional external examinations, noting that the institution is one of the best in Nigeria for producing reliable nursing scientists for the global healthcare sector.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General/Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, represented by Modupe Ayoola, advised the new inductees to strictly adhere to the ethics of the profession with compassion.
Dr. Abubakar also commended Bowen University for providing a conducive environment for teaching, research, and learning, which has helped produce skilled nurses, thanks to seasoned educators.
He urged the inductees to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector and prioritise internships as a key part of their training.
Bowen’s Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. O.T. Awotunde, and the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Prof. Deborah, affirmed the high standard of nursing education provided by the institution.
According to them, the inductees have been instilled with the core values of nursing: empathy, resilience, and commitment to serving humanity based on godliness, excellence, and leadership. They encouraged the graduates to seize every opportunity to enhance their knowledge, refine their skills, and grow in the profession.
Adisa Adeola, the overall best-graduating student from the 2023/2024 set, described Bowen University as a place where learning is made simple.
She praised the institution for its experienced, student-friendly lecturers and added that the university teaching hospital is adequately equipped for nursing studies. She also noted that the faculty exposed students to many other teaching hospitals in the state to further their clinical education.
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