By Iyobhebhe Gift Osareme(IT Student, Ambrose Ali University)
Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, has appealed to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to support their members’ desire to migrate from Nigeria to other countries.
He expressed concern that the recently released revised guidelines for verifying nurses migrating abroad might discourage nurses from pursuing opportunities outside Nigeria.
Obi urged authorities to avoid imposing strict measures that could hinder nurses from exploring global opportunities, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to do so.
Obi highlighted the significance of enabling nurses to explore international prospects, stating, By implementing measures that provide them with greater access to international opportunities, we can help them maximize their potential and contribute to the growth of our health sector.
He emphasized that Nigerian nurses are highly sought after worldwide, and their migration and acquisition of international skills and experiences will ultimately benefit the healthcare system in Nigeria.
To underscore his commitment to healthcare development, Obi presented a N20 million cheque to the Proprietor of College of Nursing Sciences, Rev Jonas Benson Okoye.
He also pointed out studies predicting a global shortage of nurses by 2030, including in Nigeria.
In light of this, Obi stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to address the shortage, including aggressive investment in training additional nurses and establishing nursing schools across the country.
This, he believes, will help meet the demands of the global market and ensure an adequate supply of skilled nurses.
