By Fasasi Ismail
The nursing profession remains one of the foremost caring professions globally, distinguished by its enduring commitment to humanity through the provision of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care to patients. Over the years, the profession has continued to evolve through the development of its unique body of knowledge, ethical standards, scientific practices, and professional values.
In Nigeria, nursing education constitutes a critical pillar of the healthcare system, as the quality of nursing training directly influences clinical competence, patient safety, and public health outcomes.
Among the institutions that have significantly contributed to nursing and midwifery education in the country is the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan, widely regarded as one of the premier nursing institutions in Nigeria.
The institution is renowned for its rich history, academic excellence, professional discipline, and immense contributions to healthcare manpower development. Since its establishment, the College has consistently maintained high standards in nursing education and clinical training, thereby producing highly skilled healthcare professionals who continue to make remarkable impacts within and outside Nigeria.
Historically, the institution originated as the Oyo State School of Nursing, established in 1949 at the old Army Barracks, Eleyele, Ibadan. It holds the distinction of being the first School of Nursing in Nigeria.
In furtherance of healthcare training and maternal care services, the School of Midwifery was later established at Yemetu in 1954 to complement the professional training of midwives within the state.
Both institutions played pivotal roles in the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector through the training of competent nurses and midwives who served in various hospitals and healthcare institutions across the country.
In 2005, the Oyo State Government, through an enabling law passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly, merged the School of Nursing and the School of Midwifery to form the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery. This transformation marked a significant milestone in the institution’s history, ushering in a new era of growth, modernization, and academic expansion.
The College subsequently commenced operations in its present collegiate structure in March 2014.
Over the years, the institution has remained steadfast in its vision of providing integrated and life-promoting nursing education designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical competencies, and ethical values required for effective healthcare delivery.
The College is committed to producing clinically balanced and professionally competent nurse practitioners capable of delivering holistic healthcare services in an increasingly dynamic and technologically driven society.
Currently, the College offers several professional programmes in Nursing and Midwifery, including Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery, and Post-Basic Midwifery programmes. In line with contemporary healthcare demands and evolving national educational standards, the institution has intensified efforts toward broadening its academic scope and positioning itself for the award of Higher National Diploma qualifications in nursing education.
One of the institution’s major achievements is its successful accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). In 2019, the College secured full accreditation for its programmes, a landmark accomplishment that further strengthened its national reputation and credibility. The accreditation also resulted in an increase in student admission quotas across various programmes, thereby expanding opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals.
The College has equally witnessed remarkable infrastructural development aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency. Many projects have been undertaken to improve the academic environment, including the renovation of hostels, lecture theatres, classrooms, administrative buildings, libraries, demonstration rooms, and information technology facilities.
Additionally, the establishment of a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, improved laboratory facilities, and the provision of solar-powered lighting systems further underscore the institution’s commitment to innovation and modern educational practices.
Beyond infrastructure and academics, the College has continued to make invaluable contributions to healthcare manpower development in Nigeria.
Thousands of nurses and midwives trained by the institution are currently serving in hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and healthcare agencies across Nigeria and internationally.
Graduates of the College are widely recognized for their professionalism, discipline, competence, and dedication to quality patient care.
The leadership of the institution has also played a vital role in sustaining its legacy of excellence. Under the visionary administration of the Provost, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, the College has continued to witness progressive transformation and institutional growth. Her dedication, administrative competence, and commitment to academic excellence have further strengthened the institution’s position within Nigeria’s nursing education landscape.
In recognition of her outstanding professional contributions and expertise in nursing education, Dr. Owolabi was recently appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the apex regulatory body responsible for nursing and midwifery education and practice in the country.
Supported by seasoned lecturers, experienced healthcare professionals, and astute administrators, the College continues to evolve in response to global healthcare trends and emerging educational realities.
Recent developments, including the inauguration of new faculties within the institution, further position the College as a progressive and forward-looking centre for nursing education in Nigeria.
Today, the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery stands as a symbol of excellence, resilience, professionalism, and quality healthcare education. Its rich heritage, commitment to academic and clinical excellence, accredited programmes, and significant contributions to national healthcare development distinctly place it among the leading nursing institutions in Nigeria.
As the global demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals continues to increase, the College remains resolute in its mission of producing competent nurses and midwives equipped to meet contemporary healthcare challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable healthcare delivery both nationally and globally.
*Fasasi.Ismail.is P.R.O of the College
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