Nigeria’s annual nursing enrolment rises from 28,000 to 115,000 in two years

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s healthcare and education sectors, the Federal Government has announced a landmark increase in annual nursing enrolment, rising from 28,000 as of 28 May 2023, when President Bola Tinubu assumed office to an unprecedented 115,000.

This development was revealed in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the revitalisation of the education and health sectors.

“In line with the administration’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), the Federal Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare, under the leadership of Dr Alausa and the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, have exceeded the initial annual enrolment target of 110,000 nursing students by reaching 115,000,” the statement read.

Dr Alausa also expressed appreciation to stakeholders, industry leaders, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, teaching hospitals, and Ministry personnel for their contributions to this achievement.

The statement described the expanded enrolment as a signal of a transformative era for nursing education in Nigeria, one that positions the nation to meet both domestic and international demand for qualified healthcare professionals.