Stakeholders seek legal backing for FCT College of Nursing

The chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, Comrade Jama D. Medan, has urged the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the law establishing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Nursing Sciences. The chairman expressed concern over the absence of an enabling law formally establishing the college.  […]

The chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, Comrade Jama D. Medan, has urged the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the law establishing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Nursing Sciences.

The chairman expressed concern over the absence of an enabling law formally establishing the college. 

Speaking during the FCT College of Nursing Sciences Class of 2025 matriculation on Tuesday at the college premises in Gwagwalada, the chairman described the situation as a pressing issue that must be addressed by lawmakers.

Medan emphasized the severity of the legal gap. “The whole of this, there is no enabling law permitting us to sit down here because there is no law establishing the college,” he stated. 

Jama Medan acknowledged the positive relationship between NANNM and the FCT Administration, praising the Minister and the Mandate Secretary for their proactive response to union concerns.

The union leader praised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to revitalizing the health sector, including the approval of N25 billion for the renovation of hospitals and nurses’ call rooms across the FCT.

 He also highlighted the recent payment of uniform allowances to nurses and the ongoing recruitment drive to address manpower shortages.

The pioneer Provost of the College, Dr. Deborah Yusufu, described the matriculation as a milestone in the journey to train competent and compassionate nurses and midwives for the FCT and Nigeria at large.

“It is genuinely humbling and a great honor to stand before you on this auspicious occasion. Dear matriculants, you have chosen one of the best professions globally—one that embodies compassion, intellect, integrity, and empathy,” she said. 

Dr. Yusufu urged the students to uphold academic integrity, discipline, and teamwork, adding that “plagiarism and negligence have no place here.” She reminded them that nursing is not just a career but a calling to serve humanity with diligence and love.

Representing the Mandate Secretary, Mrs. Grace Leo Musa, Director of Nursing Services at the Health Management Board, said the Mandate Secretary is deeply passionate about nursing. 

“She has consistently worked to improve the welfare of nurses, strengthen our health institutions, and uplift the College of Nursing Sciences,” Musa stated.

The member representing AMAC Federal Constituency, Joshua Obika Chinedu, emphasized that the FCT College of Nursing Bill had already passed its first reading in the National Assembly under his watch. He expressed optimism that the legislation would progress to the second reading before the end of the year, with full passage expected in 2026.

Abuja Metro reports that a total of 246 new students, including 123 into the National Diploma (ND1) programme and 123 into the Basic Midwifery programme, were matriculated.