Empowering Nurses: NUNSA Lagos 2025 Stresses Personal Development Plans for Africa’s Healthcare Future
Lagos, Nigeria – April 7, 2025
The 28th General Assembly of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA), themed “Empowering Nurses: A Catalyst for Sustaining Healthcare in Africa,” officially kicked off in Lagos, bringing together over 1,000 nursing students from universities across Nigeria for a transformative gathering tagged EKO Flare 2025.
In a rousing keynote address, Professor Prisca Adejumo, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, urged nurses to “Ignore APC and LP, and focus on PDP”—an acronym she redefined as Personal Development Plan. She emphasized that prioritizing personal and professional growth is essential for nurses to take their rightful place in healthcare leadership across Africa.
“If nurses continue to focus on equipping other healthcare professionals while neglecting their own development, the profession will suffer,” she cautioned. Prof. Adejumo encouraged nurses to build strategic partnerships, leverage professional platforms like LinkedIn, and strive to be the best they can be.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to nursing education and leadership, Prof. Prisca Adejumo received an Impact Award at the event. She further demonstrated her commitment to the growth of the nursing profession by donating $100 to support NUNSA’s mission.
The event was hosted by Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and Professor Ademola Oremosu, Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL).
Dignitaries in attendance included:
- The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye representing Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
- Sarah Ogunyemi, who ably represented Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health.
- Mr. Olawale Aina, Branch Manager of Union Bank, alongside members of the Union Bank Staff Union.
- A representative from Emzor Pharmaceutical Company.
- A senior official from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Lagos Command amongst other important dignitaries.
The opening ceremony set the stage for a week of leadership development, academic excellence, and professional empowerment, reinforcing the message that nurses are vital catalysts for sustainable healthcare in Africa.
