By Donald Ojebo
As part of measures to enhance the learning environment and improve nursing students’ performances, the Delta State Government has approved the construction of two number classroom blocks with a carrying capacity of 100 students per class for the State Colleges of Nursing at Agbor, Eku and Sapele, respectively.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojame made the disclosure in Asaba when he received in audience the executive members of the Baptist School of Nursing, Eku, Alumni Association worldwide.
Explaining efforts made so far to sanitize the profession in the State, the commissioner said that a major issue he met on assumption of office was the discontent among the government nursing workforce occasioned by a junior nurse heading the Department of Nursing Services in the Ministry which, under his watch, had been addressed with the appointment of the most senior nurse in the employ of the state government, who also has the capacity to deliver.
He added that due to the sensitive services rendered by nurses, which involves saving lives, the ministry ensured the last common entrance examination into the five colleges of Nursing was merit-based.
The commissioner said that the ministry took the stand because of the long-term benefits as such students are more likely to advance in their careers, contribute to the nursing profession, and become leaders in healthcare.
On the issue of extortion of students by lectures, the commissioner said that the government frowned at it, hence a lecturer who was caught was decisively dealt with after investigations into the matter and due process.
Dr. Onojaeme further said that under his watch the Schools of Midwifery at Asaba and Sapele were upgraded to Colleges of Nursing Asaba and Sapele, respectively.
Earlier, the President, Baptist School of Nursing, Eku, Alumni Association worldwide, Mr. Emmanuel Agege in his address, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and added that the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori made the right choice of appointing him as there were already milestones achieved just within one year.
He used the medium to thank the commissioner for addressing the issue of headship of the Department of Nursing in the State Ministry of Health, which had been a major challenge to nurses in the employ of the government and outside the government. Mr. Agege said that graduates of the Baptist School of Nursing were doing well in the nursing profession across the globe and would want to give back to the school that made them.
To this end, the Alumni Association purchased over 60 cartons of the book titled ‘Essentials for Optimal health,’ written by Emmanuel Agege, to be donated to the Colleges of Nursing Agbor, Eku and Warri at the first instance and subsequently donate to other Colleges and Schools in the State, with plans to also add more infrastructure in the school.
Highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of a complimentary copy of the book titled ‘Essentials of Nursing’ to the Commissioner.
Present at the meeting were the Director, Nursing Services, State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Mercy Atipko, and Executives of Alumni Association; Treasurer, Mrs. Annette Orovve, and Protocol 1, Mrs. Atake Okuyade.
