The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has announced plans to establish a Faculty of Nursing Sciences and called on the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to provide the necessary guidelines for accreditation,

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie announced this during the first-ever induction and oath-taking ceremony for university’s pioneer Nursing Science graduates. The event, held at the university’s Multipurpose Auditorium, marked a significant milestone in ESUT’s commitment to advancing healthcare education in Nigeria. 

In his address, Prof. Okolie, charged the new nurses to uphold the values of their alma mater as they step into the professional world. “You are now ambassadors of ESUT. Wherever you go, let excellence, compassion, and integrity define your practice,” he declared. 

Prof. Okolie also reaffirmed the university’s dedication to elevating its Nursing programme to global standards, aligning with the vision of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for transformative healthcare development. He disclosed ambitious plans to establish a Faculty of Nursing Sciences and called on the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to provide the necessary guidelines for accreditation. “We are keen to develop this department into a world-class faculty and will work closely with the council to actualize this vision,” he stated. 

Highlighting the state government’s commitment to healthcare infrastructure, the VC announced that Governor Mbah is constructing a 300-bed international hospital in Enugu, which will also serve as a training hub for ESUT medical and nursing students. 

To ease transportation challenges, the university has fixed and deployed two luxury buses for staff and students at subsidized rates. Additionally, Governor Mbah has approved through the Commissioner for Transport, brand-new CNG buses for the ESUT community to reduce the cost and stress of commuting between Enugu town and the Agbani campus . 

Prof. Okolie also revealed plans for public-private partnerships, leveraging ESUT’s largest pharmaceutical building in West Africa to explore drug manufacturing and industrial collaborations. “We are open to partnerships that will harness our facilities for research, innovation, and local production of medicines,” he said. 

The induction ceremony, graced by NMCN officials, university management, and government representatives, symbolizes ESUT’s growing influence in healthcare education. With plans for a Faculty of Nursing Sciences, upgraded facilities, and strategic collaborations, the university is poised to become a leading hub for medical training in Nigeria.