FG launches new digital, training support to strengthen nursing, midwifery

The Federal Government has launched and distributed new training equipment, digital tools and policy documents to strengthen nursing and midwifery education in Nigeria. The intervention, supported by the Gates Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Health Information Systems Advisory (HISA), was formally unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja. Speaking at […]

The Federal Government has launched and distributed new training equipment, digital tools and policy documents to strengthen nursing and midwifery education in Nigeria.

The intervention, supported by the Gates Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Health Information Systems Advisory (HISA), was formally unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, which was organized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Tetshoma Dafeta, Director, overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, said the initiative was aimed at improving the quality of nursing and midwifery education, especially in the face of Nigeria’s high maternal mortality burden.

“Nigeria continues to face one of the world’s most challenging maternal and newborn health burdens. Our maternal mortality ratio remains unacceptably high, and this underscores the urgent need for skilled personnel at every stage of pregnancy and childbirth,” Pate said.

He described the launch as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it represented “a renewed commitment to the health and well-being of all Nigerians, including women, newborns, and families.”

The minister also announced the approval of central placement for nurse interns to address challenges faced by newly qualified nurses.

“To further close the gaps and complement the number of existing nurses, I have approved the central placement of nurse interns. This is aimed at easing the difficulties being faced by newly produced nurses in securing placements for internship,” he said.

According to Pate, the Gates Foundation-supported items would be distributed to 20 selected colleges of nursing sciences across the country to strengthen midwifery skills laboratories.

“The supply of training items for midwifery skills laboratories is appreciated. These supplies are to be distributed to the 20 selected colleges… aimed at strengthening midwifery training across the country,” he added.

In his address, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NMCN, Ndagi Alhassan, said the support would significantly improve the quality of nursing and midwifery graduates.

“The training items, documents and electronic applications being launched today represent a critical investment in quality training and professional development. They will enhance teaching and learning and promote competency-based education for nurses and midwives across the country,” Alhassan said.

He noted that the council had benefited from curriculum reviews, digital platforms, simulation training and capacity building through the partnerships.

“Through these collaborations, the Council has benefited from technical assistance, curriculum strengthening, digital transformation initiatives, and modern training tools aligned with international standards,” he stated.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of WHO, Dr Pavel Ursu said the organisation had supported the development of Nigeria’s Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (2025–2030) and the rollout of the Electronic Accreditation Management System (EAMS).

“The electronic Accreditation Management System is a significant step toward strengthening transparency, efficiency, and compliance monitoring across training institutions,” Ursu said.

He disclosed that WHO, through UK government funding, provided 30 tablets and other equipment to support 13 health training institutions nationwide.

“These investments complement ongoing efforts to produce competent health workers for universal health coverage,” he added.

UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms Muriel Mafico, reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to strengthening frontline midwifery care in the country.

“UNFPA envisions a Nigeria where every woman, regardless of her socioeconomic status or geographical location, has access to the care she needs to safeguard her health and that of her newborn,” Mafico said.

Daily Trust reports that the new supports include midwifery training kits, electronic learning platforms, national procedure guides, a digital accreditation system, preceptorship manuals and simulation-based training tools.