Fellow Nurses Africa News | 15 July, 2025
Gombe Nursing Crisis: NMCN Urged to Reverse Appointment of Community Health Graduate as DNS
The ongoing crisis in Gombe state nursing community is taking another dimension as the Forum of State Directors of Nursing Services in Nigeria (FSDNSN) has petitioned the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to reverse the controversial appointment of a community health graduate as the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) in Gombe State. This decision has sparked outrage among nursing professionals, who are calling for immediate action to protect the integrity of the nursing profession.
The petition, signed by Mrs. Martina I. Oguché, Ag. Chairman of FSDNSN, highlights a long-standing issue of inappropriate appointments within the healthcare sector. The letter, dated July 14, 2025, reveals that the current occupant of the DNS office lacks a degree in nursing science, a qualification deemed essential for the role. Instead, the position has been filled by an individual with a background in community health, a move that nursing leaders argue undermines the profession.
“Our key demand is the immediate reversal of this appointment,” the petition states, emphasizing that only a professional nurse with a minimum of a Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BNS) degree should hold the DNS position. The FSDNSN cites the Scheme of Service for Nurses, which mandates that the DNS role be reserved exclusively for qualified nursing professionals, as outlined in HCSF/EPO/EIR/CND/100/S.72 dated September 27, 2016.
The nursing crisis in Gombe has been further exacerbated by the fact that the previous DNS, Mrs. Rona Saleh Tula, was demoted to a Deputy State Director role, despite her qualifications. This anomaly has left many nurses feeling betrayed and devalued. “We have been informed that a community health graduate has been appointed to take over the office as the DNS of the State,” the petition notes, adding that such appointments violate the rights of nurses and the professional standards set by the NMCN.
In a heartfelt plea, the FSDNSN has called on the NMCN to intervene urgently, invoking the “stay action” clause to correct this anomaly. The petition also references the Public Service Rules (PSR) 2021, Rule 020602, which prohibits posting officers outside their professional cadre, reinforcing their demand for a qualified nurse to lead nursing activities in Gombe State.
Fellow nurses across Nigeria are rallying behind this cause, expressing solidarity with their Gombe counterparts. “This is a blatant violation of our profession’s integrity,” said one nurse, echoing the sentiments of many. The FSDNSN has urged the NMCN to act swiftly to restore dignity to the nursing profession and ensure that only degree holders in nursing science are appointed to such critical roles.
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As the nursing community awaits the NMCN’s response, the spotlight is on Gombe State, where the Ministry of Health has confirmed the appointment despite the incumbent serving for over four years. This development raises questions about fairness and the future of nursing leadership in Nigeria.
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There need to be a serious cleansing of the nursing profession nationwide. The more we continue to look, the worse things will become. Now, no more respect or value despite how much we put into the healthcare system as a whole. It is well.