Dr Alice Ogundele Appointed New Chairman of Nigeria’s Nursing and Midwifery Council
FNA News, 18th June, 2026.
Dr Alice Igbekele Ogundele has been inaugurated as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
The appointment was formalised on Thursday, 18 June 2026, in Abuja. It marks a significant development for the nursing profession following a period without a sitting board chairman.
Strong academic foundation
Dr Ogundele began her career after earning a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1989. She went on to qualify as a registered Nurse, Midwife and Public Health Nurse through the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria examinations.
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She later returned to Obafemi Awolowo University to complete a Master of Science in Nursing in 2010. She also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria, which prepared her as a Midwife Educator. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Nursing from the University of the Western Cape in South Africa.
Rise through clinical and administrative roles
Dr Ogundele started her professional life at the primary healthcare level. She served as Head of Nursing Services at a Primary Health Care Centre in Idanre Local Government Area, Ondo State. She later became Principal of the School of Midwifery in Akure, where she trained many midwives.
In 2016, she was appointed Director of Nursing Services for Ondo State. During her tenure, she focused on workforce development and advocated for stronger community nursing and midwifery services at the primary healthcare level. She also ensured continued training for nurses after the School of Midwifery was integrated into the university system.
Move into academia and research
Dr Ogundele later joined Elizade University, where she rose to become Head of Department of Nursing Science and is currently Acting Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. In this role, she has contributed to curriculum development and student mentorship.
She has also carried out research in nursing management and human resource development. Her published work covers topics such as job satisfaction, staff retention, and mental health awareness among nursing students. These contributions have added to academic and policy discussions on improving conditions for nurses in Nigeria.
A timely appointment for the profession
The NMCN had operated without a board chairman since 2023. This created delays in issuing professional certificates and licences for nurses and midwives across the country.
Dr Ogundele’s appointment is widely seen as a positive step. Her combination of clinical experience, state-level leadership, and academic expertise is expected to bring steady direction to the Council’s regulatory work on education standards and professional practice.
Throughout her career, she has remained committed to the core values of nursing — compassion, competence, and advocacy. Colleagues describe her leadership style as quiet, strategic, and focused on practical solutions.
Fellow Nurses Africa felicitates with Dr Alice Ogundele
Fellow Nurses Africa felicitates with Dr Alice Igbekele Ogundele on her appointment as Chairman of the NMCN Governing Board. Her distinguished career and dedication to the nursing profession continue to inspire nurses across Nigeria and the African continent.
We wish her a successful and impactful tenure as she leads efforts to strengthen nursing and midwifery in Nigeria.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
