By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State is in discussion with Kentucky University, United States of America (USA) towards the inclusion of its nursing department in their mobility programmes.

This was disclosed by the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Kate Omenugha, during the 2024 Nurses Week organised by the institution in conjunction with the Department of Nursing Science and held at the Igbariam campus.

Omenigha noted that nursing is not just a profession but a calling to serve others, make a difference and bring comfort and healing to those in need.

She harped on the vital role played by nurses in medicine globally, even as he described the profession as the heartbeat of medicine.

While underlining the university’s commitment to providing students with the necessary education and resources to thrive in the global world, Menugha said: “Nurses have been the backbone of the health sector. Their dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of others is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to us.

“It is also a well-paying job seen by its viability in the global world. That’s why every year we have more people seeking admission to the field of nursing.

“Unfortunately, more than 70% of people applying to nursing do not get admission because of our carrying capacity and the availability of infrastructure. In the coming years, we will see this worsening as the university is making nursing even more attractive despite dwindling resources.”

Speaking at the occasion the Head of Department of Nursing Sciences, Dr Ada Ibekwe, who was also the host, said the week was dedicated to recognize and appreciate the remarkable work nurses do on daily basis to care for their patients with skill, compassion and unwavering dedication.

While recalling that Nurses Week is an annual international celebration observed by nurses in various nursing institutions worldwide to honour the founder of the nursing profession, Florence Nightingale, she added: “The Department of Nursing Science COOU Igbariam has successfully passed the resource verification exercise from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN).

“As we prepare for full accreditation from these bodies, a criterion for indexing and nursing council exams, it is essential that we meet the necessary requirements to ensure full accreditation.”

In her speech, the wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said she was championing a healthy living programme, teaching people how they could live healthy lives by consuming natural foods

Speaking on the theme, “Promoting Healthy Living Through Nursing Care Practice”, Mrs Soludo emphasized the importance of building bridges across critical domains to promote healthy living.

She highlighted the significance of nursing care practice in promoting healthy living and commended the department for its dedication to the course.

Mrs Soludo observed that there were a lot of diseases especially the non-communicable ones like diabetes, high blood pressure which could be reversed through change in diet and lifestyle.

She also expressed desire to partner with the Department of Nursing Sciences of the institution in order to improve lives in Anambra State.

She also presented fresh fruits of various types and sanitary pads to the department.

Highlight of the event was an interactive session with the parents, Florence Nightingale display, dances, etc.

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