Another Violation of the Nursing Act: Kano College of Nursing Sciences Appoints Non-Nurse as Deputy Provost
Kano, Nigeria – September 13, 2025 –
The Kano State Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Shehu Bello Kabara PhD, a sociology graduate, as the new Deputy Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, effective September 1, 2025.
The appointment was communicated through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Aminu Bashir, on behalf of the Hon. Commissioner, describing Kabara as an individual with a “proven track record in selfless service, extensive experience, and versatility in public service, particularly in health education.” He is expected to serve a four-year term, renewable once, in line with provisions of the Kano State College of Nursing Sciences Bill 2024.
Legal Framework and Requirements
According to the College of Nursing Sciences Bill 2024, Section 16, the Deputy Provost:
- Must be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Commissioner.
- Shall serve for a maximum of two four-year terms.
- Must be at least a senior lecturer who is a registered nurse or midwife, hold a Master’s degree in nursing, and have 15 years of post-registration experience as a nurse or midwifery tutor.
The law also places the Deputy Provost as the Academic Head of the College under the Council’s authority, with duties spanning administration, discipline, finance, and policy execution.
Nursing Community Raises Alarm
Kabara’s appointment has immediately drawn sharp criticism from nursing leaders and activists, who point out that he does not meet the statutory requirements, being neither a registered nurse nor a midwife, and lacking the mandated nursing qualifications.
In a statement, Nr Reuben Zirahgi Marcus, President of the African Nursing Activists (ANA), described the move as a clear violation of the law:
“This appointment is not only a breach of professional ethics but also a direct violation of Section 16(3) of the Kano State College of Nursing Sciences Bill 2024,” Marcus said. “Mr. Kabara studied sociology and has no professional nursing qualifications. To appoint him as Deputy Provost of a nursing college is to disregard the very foundation of the law guiding our profession.”
He continued:
“This disregard sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines the confidence of practitioners, threatens the quality of nursing education, and risks compromising the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”
A Recurring Problem
This is not the first time questions have been raised about political interference in professional appointments. Some years ago, another state appointed a non-nurse as Director of Nursing Services, in violation of the Nursing Scheme of Service.
That move was widely condemned by professionals as an affront to nursing standards and due process. The Kano development now appears to follow this troubling trend.
Calls for Immediate Reversal
Marcus called on the government to urgently revisit the appointment:
“We call on the Government of Kano State to immediately review and reverse this appointment in line with the Nursing Act. We also call on the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other professional leadership bodies to intervene and ensure that the right thing is done.”
He concluded with a strong reminder:
“As professionals, we are bound not only to serve but to defend the structures and laws that safeguard the future of nursing in Nigeria. It is therefore expected of both the Government and nursing leadership to respect and abide by the legal provisions governing our noble profession.”
Outlook
The College of Nursing Sciences in Kano plays a vital role in producing the next generation of healthcare professionals. However, this controversial appointment highlights persistent governance challenges in Nigeria’s health sector and raises urgent questions about adherence to established laws.
The nursing community awaits further action from regulators and the state government, as pressure mounts for the reversal of Kabara’s appointment.
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