Nigeria Unveils New Benue State College of Nursing Sciences with Three Campuses
By Fellow Nurses Africa | September 18, 2025
In a groundbreaking development for nursing education in Nigeria, the Benue State House of Assembly has officially passed a bill to establish the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences.
This new institution will operate across three strategic locations—Makurdi, Adikpo, and Otukpa—to make nurse training programs more accessible to aspiring healthcare professionals.
The bill, finalized during the Assembly’s plenary session on September 18, 2025, in Makurdi, is a major step toward addressing Nigeria’s critical shortage of skilled nursing professionals and strengthening healthcare education in West Africa.
A Milestone for Nursing in Nigeria
The initiative was spearheaded by Thomas Dugeri, Chairman of the House Committee on Health (APC/Kwande West).
Dugeri emphasized the overwhelming public support for the college, citing its potential to transform healthcare workforce development.
He urged swift action to secure accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), ensuring the institution meets global standards for nursing sciences education.
“This college will empower the next generation of nurses and bolster our healthcare system,” Dugeri stated.
Multi-Campus Approach for Greater Access
Speaker Alfred Emberga, who reviewed the bill clause by clause, highlighted the college’s innovative multi-campus structure.
The Makurdi campus will serve as the central hub, while Adikpo (Kwande Local Government Area) and Otukpa (Gwer West) will cater to students in rural areas, promoting inclusivity.
Emberga also outlined strict leadership criteria: the Provost must be a registered nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing, serving a four-year term with the option for renewal based on performance.
This ensures high academic and professional standards for the institution.
A Step Toward Healthcare Excellence
The bill’s final reading was conducted by Clerk Dr. Bem Mela, after which Emberga declared it passed, marking a historic moment for nursing in Nigeria.
The college is expected to offer advanced nursing courses, including potential post-basic nursing programs, and foster collaborations with African nursing associations for curriculum development and faculty training.
This aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to address the nursing shortage crisis and meet growing healthcare demands across the continent.
What This Means for Aspiring Nurses
For students pursuing nursing career advancement or specializing in areas like community health nursing in Nigeria, the Benue State College of Nursing Sciences opens new doors.
Its strategic locations will make nursing education in West Africa more accessible, particularly for those in underserved regions.
Fellow Nurses Africa will provide ongoing updates on enrollment, scholarship opportunities, and partnerships shaping the future of nursing schools in Nigeria.
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