The House of Representatives has taken a step towards establishing a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State. The bill, sponsored by Mr. Benjamin Olabinjo, was read on the floor of the House and has passed through a second reading. The proposed law aims to create a specialised centre for training, research, and continuing education in nursing, midwifery, and related fields.
The shortage of nursing personnel in Nigeria is a pressing concern, with many trained professionals migrating to countries offering better remuneration and working conditions. Olabinjo noted that the migration of trained professionals to the UK, Canada, the US, and other Western countries has further strained Nigeria's healthcare system. He emphasised that nurses and midwives play critical roles in patient care, maternal health, and newborn survival.
The proposed college would help increase the number of qualified nurses and midwives available to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. Olabinjo stated that Lagos, one of Nigeria's most populous states, requires more training opportunities to meet the growing demand for qualified healthcare workers. The limited number of federally accredited training places has left many aspiring nurses and midwives struggling to secure admission.
The proposed legislation provides for the college to offer professional certificates, diplomas, degrees, and post-basic qualifications in nursing, midwifery, and related specialities. It also empowers the institution to admit students, conduct examinations and research, organise academic programmes, and provide continuing education for practising professionals. The college would have a governing council, a School of Nursing, and a School of Midwifery.
The sponsor of the bill believes that the institution would help strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly maternal and child health services, by producing more skilled professionals. Olabinjo argued that increasing the number of trained midwives is an important step towards reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths. The college would also create educational and employment opportunities for young people in Ifako/Ijaiye and other parts of Lagos State.
The proposed college would generate jobs for lecturers, administrators, and support staff, while stimulating economic activities among businesses operating within the host community. Olabinjo appealed for the support of his colleagues, maintaining that improving the country's healthcare system requires sustained investment in the professionals responsible for delivering frontline services. He urged the House to support the bill's second reading and refer it to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
Nigeria's healthcare sector has continued to face concerns over the availability and distribution of skilled health workers. The proposed college is intended to expand the country's capacity to train these professionals, although its eventual impact would depend on implementation, funding, accreditation, and the availability of qualified teaching staff. If passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President, the proposed legislation would provide the statutory basis for establishing the federal institution.
Key points
- The House of Representatives has passed a bill to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Lagos State to address the shortage of healthcare personnel.
- The proposed college would offer professional certificates, diplomas, degrees, and post-basic qualifications in nursing, midwifery, and related specialities.
- The institution would help strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly maternal and child health services, by producing more skilled professionals.
