The Body of Head of Nursing Services Department and Principals of School in Federal Health Institutions (BOHNAPSFHI) 23rd Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference was hosted in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
BOHNAPSFHI, a body that constitutes membership of all Head of Nursing Department in teaching hospitals, principals and coordinators of Nursing training colleges and institutions, at this conference projected her educational/training reform from certification to the collegiate system for Ordinary and Higher National Diploma ND/HND and Degree award for Nurses in the country.
This was disclosed by the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery council of Nigeria, Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubakar, collaborated by the National Chairman BOHNAPSFHI, Dr. Aderonke B. Owoseemo.
For Alhaji F. U. Abubakar (PhD), “Nursing education is a task that must be accomplished, the Nursing and Midwifery council in Nigeria is committed to it, and to our Nation, that is why the council has set December 2023 as the deadline for all schools of Nursing to be upgraded to the status of college and all the colleges in the teaching hospital should be collapsed as a single entity of college of Nursing Science “. This they believe will ensure proper standards and improve professionalism as the council works with the NBTE and NUC for accreditation, for colleges and universities in training the needed number of Nurses for Nigeria and the world in general.
A decisive pursuit to this nursing education reform, gives credit to the theme for this 23rd scientific conference “SUSTAINING NURSING EDUCATION AND PRACTICE IN A DEPRESSED ECONOMY” with the keynote lecture delivered by a seasoned nursing educator, Professor. Heoma Nsirim-worlu, in the opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremony, the Head of Nursing services UPTH and host of the conference, DNS Gloria D. Ogan, in her welcome address appreciated the management of the hospital led by the Chief Medical Director Prof. H.A.A Ugboma for graciously approving the hosting of the conference, stating that the theme is apt, as nurses have continued to give in their best, in the midst of challenges while administering nursing services.
Prof H.A.A Ugboma, the chief host of the week long conference, while formally declaring the conference open, affirmed the pride of place nurses have in the hospital as he stated “Nurses bring joy, and make the wards lively”.
The opening ceremony also featured presentation of Rivers state traditional attire and dance displays which climaxed with a presentation of award, to the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Henry A.A. Ugboma in recognition for his “superlative institutional leadership and governance”.
The vice chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill who was the chairman of the occasion was awarded for his exceptional leadership with other leaders and friends of BOHNAPSFHI.
