The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), has commenced its biannual National Examiners Workshop in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, even as the association continues its nationwide seven-day warning strike.
Abakaliki, designated as the host center for the Southeast zone, is currently playing host to nursing professionals drawn from across the country for the high-level training session aimed at building capacity for the effective conduct of professional examinations in nursing and midwifery.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Obasi Chukwu, the Ebonyi State Chairman of NANNM, said the workshop is part of the Council’s strategy to standardize assessment practices and improve the competence of examiners across the country.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and NMCN for choosing Ebonyi, citing the state’s significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and nursing education.
The event was officially declared open by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, who represented Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Comrade Chukwu commended the Nwifuru-led administration for its support for the nursing profession, particularly the upgrade of the state's School of Nursing to a fully accredited College offering both Nursing and Midwifery programs, and the construction of a ₦500 million ultramodern hostel for students.
However, Chukwu confirmed that despite the workshop proceeding smoothly, Ebonyi State has recorded full compliance with the ongoing warning strike by nurses, in solidarity with colleagues across the federation.
Health institutions including the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital are reportedly observing the industrial action.
He said the strike became necessary following the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding issues affecting the welfare and professional development of nurses.
These according to him, included poor remuneration, non-centralization of internship placements for nursing graduates, inadequate recruitment of qualified nurses, and the government’s persistent disregard for court judgments in favor of the profession.
Chukwu decried the annual ₦20,000 uniform allowance as grossly insufficient and called for systemic reforms, including the establishment of a Directorate of Nursing Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, to be headed by a registered nurse.
“We are not just fighting for ourselves. We are advocating for conditions that will enable nurses deliver better care to Nigerians. A well-treated nurse is a more effective caregiver," he hinted.
The warning strike, which began earlier this week, is expected to last seven days, pending further engagements with the Federal Government.
