She Made Bowen University History: Meet Dr. Yakubu Monsurat Oyenike, the Faculty’s First Nursing PhD Graduate

Exclusive | Fellow Nurses Africa, 8th September,2026.

A decade after launching its Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Bowen University has reached a landmark moment that is already inspiring conversations across Nigeria’s nursing profession.

Dr. Yakubu Monsurat Oyenike has become the first Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate produced by the faculty, making history just ten years after the university established its nursing programme.

Her achievement represents more than a personal academic success. It reflects the growing capacity of Nigerian universities to produce nurse researchers, educators and leaders capable of influencing healthcare beyond the bedside.

In an exclusive interview with Fellow Nurses Africa, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Professor Deborah Esan, described the milestone as the beginning of “a new era” for nursing education in Nigeria.

A nurse who opened a new chapter

When Dr. Oyenike received her doctoral degree, she became the pioneer of a new academic pathway within Bowen University’s Faculty of Nursing Sciences.

While much of her professional journey has been built away from the public spotlight, completing a doctoral programme within the university’s structured six-semester timeline reflects years of dedication to nursing scholarship, research and professional development.

Her success positions her among a growing generation of Nigerian nurses expanding the profession beyond clinical practice into evidence generation, innovation and healthcare leadership.

For many student nurses, her story demonstrates that the highest level of academic achievement in nursing is not reserved for a select few—it is an attainable goal built through discipline, mentorship and perseverance.

“This is a historic milestone”

Professor Esan said Dr. Oyenike’s graduation validates Bowen University’s commitment to developing nurses who generate knowledge rather than simply apply existing knowledge.

“This is indeed a historic and very significant milestone, not only for Bowen University but for nursing education in Nigeria.”

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She explained that nursing education must continue evolving from knowledge transmission to knowledge generation.

“We need nurses who are asking difficult questions about our healthcare system, generating evidence and translating that evidence into solutions that are relevant to our communities.”

According to the Dean, producing the faculty’s first doctoral graduate within ten years demonstrates how rapidly the institution has developed a research-focused nursing faculty.

“The first graduate creates a pathway for many others.”

Beyond migration: Building globally influential nurse leaders

Nigeria continues to face significant nursing workforce challenges, with many experienced nurses pursuing careers abroad.

Rather than viewing migration solely as a loss, Professor Esan believes universities should prepare nurses whose impact extends across borders.

“Our responsibility is not simply to train nurses who can secure employment. We must train nurses who can think critically, conduct research, lead teams, innovate and influence healthcare systems.”

She noted that Nigerian nurses working internationally can continue contributing through research collaborations, mentorship, technology transfer and professional networks while maintaining strong ties with healthcare development at home.

Why nursing research matters now

Professor Esan identified several areas where nursing research must urgently respond to Nigeria’s healthcare realities, including:

• Maternal and newborn health

• Primary healthcare

• Mental health

• Non-communicable diseases

• Infectious diseases

• Patient safety

• Digital health

• Workforce development

• Healthcare inequalities

She challenged PhD-trained nurses to ensure research does not end with publication.

“The ultimate value of research is realised when evidence informs action.”

Instead, she encouraged doctoral nurses to become “evidence-to-policy translators” who communicate research findings to policymakers, participate in national discussions and advocate for evidence-based reforms.

A PhD is bigger than academia

One of the strongest messages from the interview addressed a common misconception among nursing students—that a PhD exists only for university lecturers.

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Professor Esan explained that doctoral education opens opportunities across multiple sectors.

A Nursing PhD can prepare professionals for:

• Clinical leadership

• Healthcare management

• Quality improvement

• Innovation

• Public health

• Government policy

• International research collaborations

• Academic leadership

“See it as a qualification that equips you to become a knowledge leader.”

The woman inspiring tomorrow’s nurse leaders

Dr. Oyenike’s achievement arrives at an important moment for Nigerian nursing.

As conversations continue around workforce shortages, professional recognition and healthcare reform, her story highlights another pathway for the profession—one rooted in research, innovation and leadership.

Her graduation sends a powerful message that Nigerian nurses can rise from clinical practice to become scholars whose work shapes healthcare systems, influences policy and improves patient outcomes.

A message to young nurses

Professor Esan ended the conversation with advice that captures the significance of Dr. Oyenike’s achievement.

“Do not allow where you are today to determine the limits of where you can go tomorrow.”

She encouraged young nurses to pursue knowledge not simply to collect academic titles but to solve real healthcare problems and improve lives.

“Dream beyond the position you currently hold. Believe that you belong at the table where decisions are made.”

For Bowen University, today’s celebration belongs to its first Nursing PhD graduate.

For many aspiring nurses watching, it may become the inspiration for tomorrow’s history makers.

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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.