Anti Japa Policy: ‘We’re Not Training You To Japa: Enugu State Governor Admonishes Nursing Students.
We’re not training you to japa. Enugu is investing massively in education and healthcare. These were the words of the Executive governor of Enugu State today at the Maiden matriculation ceremony of the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences.
In a historic move to revolutionize healthcare education, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to nursing and midwifery training. Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the 2024/2025 Maiden Matriculation Ceremony of the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences, the governor emphasized that the state’s massive investment in nursing education is a strategic effort to empower students, improve healthcare outcomes, and position Enugu as a leading hub for medical excellence in Nigeria.
From Moribund School to World-Class College
Once an unaccredited institution offering only Ordinary National Diploma (OND), the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through targeted reforms and extensive funding, the college now awards multiple professional and academic qualifications, including OND, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwifery (RM), and Higher National Diploma (HND). These certifications not only boost employability but also ensure graduates can practice globally.
Students from the Parklane and Awgu campuses praised Governor Mbah for upgrading their school into a digital, world-class college with cutting-edge facilities, a fully equipped ICT center, international academic exposure (including training at the University of Washington), and enhanced staff development programs.
“We now earn four certificates after our training, and with the new facilities, we can compete with university students anywhere in the country. We’ve moved past pen-and-paper learning to full digital engagement,” said student representative, Ogbodo Rita Uchenna.
Fighting Brain Drain with Opportunity
While celebrating the state’s bold strides in nursing education, Governor Mbah made a heartfelt appeal to nursing students to resist the allure of the “japa” syndrome — the trend of relocating abroad after graduation. He urged them to give back to the state that invested in their development, assuring that Enugu offers abundant career opportunities and an enabling environment.
“We’re not training you to japa. Enugu is investing massively in education and healthcare. We expect you to be part of the solution by staying to serve and grow with us,” the governor said.
To back this commitment, the state government has improved working conditions and is constructing 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres to bridge healthcare gaps, reduce maternal and child mortality, and strengthen community healthcare systems.
Accreditation & Expansion for Greater Impact
The college’s transformation began with the accreditation process by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), followed by oversight from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). These milestones enabled the institution to expand with new campuses in Nsukka and Oji River, raising admission numbers from 50 to 240 students, with plans to further increase capacity.
Dr. Yomi Jaye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, revealed that Enugu is among the first states in Nigeria to embrace the collegial model of nursing education. He highlighted ongoing projects at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospitals and the soon-to-be-launched Enugu International Hospital as part of a deliberate strategy to discourage outward migration by offering world-class work environments.
The Road Ahead
Acting Provost Dr. Nkechi Ani lauded the government’s unwavering support, citing significant achievements such as infrastructure upgrades, consistent staff training, entrepreneurship development in digital skills, and strong administrative logistics.
With these reforms and facilities in place, Enugu State is positioning itself as a national model for nursing education and healthcare transformation.
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