Nurses are the Backbone of Healthcare – Highlights from the 28th NUNSA General Assembly in Lagos
Published: April 7, 2025
Nursing is the backbone of healthcare. That was the powerful opening statement by Mrs. Njide Ndili, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, during her address at the ongoing 28th General Assembly of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA), currently holding in Lagos.
As the Chairperson of the event, Mrs. Ndili delivered an inspiring speech that resonated with the over 1,000 nursing students and professionals in attendance. Her message was clear: empower the nurses in Nigeria, because they are not only essential to the healthcare system—they are the heart of it.
“Nurses act as if they are the doctors—because they are that knowledgeable,” she said. “We must ensure that nurses are properly compensated for what they do.”
She emphasized the critical need for nurses to step into spaces of influence, highlighting the importance of policy-making, lobbying, and strategic positioning. According to her, nurses must no longer remain silent players in the healthcare system but must raise their voices where it matters most—at the decision-making table.
Mrs. Ndili also extended an open invitation to nurses across the country to join the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, a platform she described as inclusive and committed to amplifying the voices of all healthcare professionals.
In recognition of her unwavering dedication to healthcare development in Nigeria, Mrs. Ndili was honored with an Outstanding Leadership Award, presented by Professor Prisca Adejumo, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, and the event’s keynote speaker.
This moment stood as a highlight of the day—two influential women in Nigerian healthcare, standing together to uplift the next generation of nurses.
The event, themed “Empowering Nurses: A Catalyst for Sustaining Healthcare in Africa,” continues throughout the week, offering workshops, keynote sessions, and capacity-building activities aimed at shaping the future of nursing on the continent.
Stay tuned for more stories and updates from the 28th NUNSA General Assembly, Lagos. The future of healthcare is here—and nurses are leading the charge.
Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
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