Hundreds Join Awareness Walk as NUNSA UNILAG Calls for Stronger Action Against Healthcare Quackery
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Hundreds of nursing students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) took to the streets of Lagos on Saturday, 21 June 2027, to raise awareness about the dangers of healthcare quackery and advocate for improved patient safety.
The awareness campaign, tagged “Say No to Quackery”, marked the official commencement of the 11th Annual Health Week organized by the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA), University of Lagos Chapter.
The walk commenced at the Bariga Local Government Secretariat and proceeded through major routes to Ladilak, Lagos, attracting nursing students, healthcare advocates, sponsors, and members of the public.
The campaign was designed to educate communities on the dangers posed by unqualified healthcare practitioners and reinforce the importance of seeking care from licensed and competent healthcare professionals.
Raising Awareness on a Growing Healthcare Challenge
Healthcare quackery remains a significant concern across many communities, where individuals without the required training, qualifications, or regulatory approval offer healthcare services to unsuspecting members of the public.
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During the awareness walk, participants engaged residents and distributed key public health messages highlighting the risks associated with receiving treatment from unqualified practitioners.
To ensure broad community engagement, three speakers addressed members of the public in English, Yoruba, and Igbo, respectively.
The speakers emphasized that healthcare quackery can result in delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatment, avoidable complications, long-term health consequences, and even preventable deaths.
They also encouraged members of the public to verify the credentials of healthcare providers before seeking medical care and to report suspected cases of illegal healthcare practice to the appropriate authorities.
NUNSA President Explains the Motivation Behind the Campaign
Speaking exclusively to FNA News, the President of NUNSA UNILAG, Comrade Joseph Samuel, said the initiative was inspired by the increasing prevalence of quackery within Nigeria’s healthcare system and the growing normalization of unqualified individuals performing professional nursing responsibilities.
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According to him, nursing students have a responsibility to advocate for patient safety and protect the integrity of the healthcare profession.
"The Walk Against Quackery was inspired by the growing prevalence of quackery within the healthcare system and the increasing normalization of unqualified individuals carrying out professional nursing responsibilities.
As nursing students and future healthcare professionals, we recognize the dangers this poses to patient safety, the integrity of the nursing profession, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. The walk was organized to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of professional standards in healthcare."
When asked about the key message the association hoped to communicate through the campaign, Comrade Samuel said healthcare services should only be delivered by qualified and licensed professionals.
"Our message is clear: healthcare should only be delivered by qualified, licensed, and competent professionals. Quackery endangers lives, undermines public trust in healthcare, and diminishes the value of professional training and regulation.
Through this walk, we seek to educate the public on the dangers of patronizing unqualified practitioners, encourage adherence to professional standards, and call on relevant authorities and stakeholders to take stronger action against quackery in all its forms."
His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining professional standards within healthcare and protecting members of the public from unsafe healthcare practices.
Free Medical Outreach Announced
As part of the campaign, organizers also announced a community medical outreach scheduled for 27 June 2027.
Members of the public were informed that a team of qualified doctors, nurses, and pharmacists would provide free healthcare services, consultations, health education, and basic health screenings.
The organizers further announced that food items would be distributed to beneficiaries during the outreach programme, reflecting the association’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing beyond health education alone.
The outreach is expected to serve as one of the flagship events of the Health Week and will provide an opportunity for residents to access essential healthcare services at no cost.
Students Champion Professional Standards in Healthcare
Hundreds of students participated in the awareness walk, demonstrating a collective commitment to safeguarding patient safety and promoting ethical healthcare practices.
The event also received support from sponsors, healthcare stakeholders, and community partners who joined the advocacy campaign and contributed to its success.
The awareness walk concluded with a group photograph session involving participants, organizers, sponsors, and invited guests, marking a successful start to the 11th Annual NUNSA UNILAG Health Week.
About NUNSA UNILAG Health Week 2027
The 11th Annual NUNSA UNILAG Health Week is a week-long programme aimed at promoting public health awareness, professional nursing advocacy, community service, and student engagement.
Activities scheduled for the Health Week include:
- Walk Against Quackery
- Food Fest and Preshow
- Intersectoral Symposium
- Fitness Day
- Mr. & Miss NUNSA UNILAG
- Community Medical Outreach
The programme highlights the vital role nursing students play in advancing public health, promoting evidence-based healthcare practices, and advocating for safer healthcare systems in Nigeria.
As healthcare challenges continue to evolve, initiatives such as the Walk Against Quackery demonstrate the growing commitment of future nurses to protecting patients, strengthening healthcare standards, and building public trust in the healthcare profession.
Fellow Nurses Africa will be on ground to cover the events and activities during the week, and we’ll bring updates as they emerge.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
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.
