A New Era Begins: YONLEF Launches to Shape Nigeria’s Next Generation of Nursing Leaders

FNA News, Lagos, Nigeria — September 27, 2026

A new chapter in Nigeria’s nursing profession has begun with the official inauguration of the Young Nursing Leaders Foundation (YONLEF), a youth-led organisation created to prepare student nurses and early-career nurses for leadership roles in healthcare.

The Foundation was formally launched during a virtual inauguration ceremony on Sunday 27th September, 2026, bringing together respected figures from nursing, medicine, academia, law, business, technology and the creative industry behind a shared vision of investing in the profession’s future.

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Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a non-governmental organisation, YONLEF says it will focus on leadership development, mentorship, innovation and professional growth for young nurses across Nigeria.

The launch comes at a time when leadership development is increasingly recognised as a critical pillar of strengthening health systems worldwide, with nursing leadership programmes gaining prominence for their role in improving workforce resilience, innovation and patient care.

A Platform Built for Future Nurse Leaders

Delivering his inaugural address, Comrade Nnaji Cornelius, President of YONLEF, described the Foundation as a bridge between aspiring nursing professionals and experienced leaders willing to invest in the next generation.

He said the organisation’s mission is to equip young nurses with the confidence, skills and leadership capacity needed to influence healthcare delivery and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s health system.

Rather than focusing solely on clinical development, the Foundation aims to create opportunities that prepare young nurses to become advocates, innovators and decision-makers within and beyond the profession.

Distinguished Advisory Team Unveiled

One of the ceremony’s defining moments was the unveiling of YONLEF’s Patrons, Patronesses and Advisory Board, a multidisciplinary team of professionals expected to provide strategic guidance as the organisation grows.

The advisory team includes:

• Dr. Olawale Oladapo, Managing Director, Jibol Hospitals, Lagos

• Engr. Vincent Okeh, CEO, Tecvinson AB, Sweden

• Dr. Dorcas Shonibare, Coordinating Dean, Department of Nursing, McPherson University

• Prof. Nr. Adelani Tijani, Head of Nursing Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti

• Nr. Cheta Orji-Okafor, Chief Nursing Officer, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital

• Barr. Austin U. Enwerem, Nigerian Bar Association

• Dr. Lotanna Okoye, CEO, Professional Public Speaking and Leadership Academy

• Dr. Nr. Michael N. Ekuma, Provost, College of Nursing, Mater Misericordiae, Afikpo

• Mr. Ike Nnaebue, CEO, Vernacular Signature International Ltd.

• Mrs. Ujuaku Akuekwe, filmmaker

• Associate Professor Nr. Ngozi Ugwu, Chairlady, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Enugu State

The diverse composition of the advisory body reflects the Foundation’s ambition to expose young nurses to leadership perspectives that extend beyond traditional clinical practice.

Leadership Beyond the Bedside

The inauguration featured goodwill messages from invited guests, presentations on YONLEF’s strategic vision and a call for stronger collaboration between nursing institutions, professional associations, development partners and young healthcare professionals.

Participants described the initiative as a timely intervention, noting that developing leadership skills early in nurses’ careers could strengthen advocacy, innovation and professional influence across Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Leadership experts globally have increasingly emphasised the importance of supporting emerging nurse leaders through mentorship, structured development programmes and cross-sector collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes.

What’s Next for YONLEF?

According to the Foundation, its long-term plans include:

• Nationwide leadership development programmes

• Structured mentorship networks

• Innovation challenges for young nurses

• The proposed YONLEF 100 Nurse Initiative, designed to prepare outstanding young nurses for leadership positions within healthcare and other sectors.

With its inauguration complete and its leadership structure now in place, YONLEF begins its journey with growing institutional support and an ambitious vision to help shape the next generation of Nigerian nursing leaders.

For many young nurses entering the profession, the Foundation represents more than a new organisation—it signals a growing recognition that the future of nursing will depend not only on clinical excellence, but also on leadership, innovation and the confidence to influence change.

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