The Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan, has taken a bold step to strengthen nursing education with the inauguration of four new faculties. The move aims to meet rising demand for nursing training and elevate the institution’s status to a collegiate level.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a major milestone in the college’s history. Former Departments of Nursing, Midwifery, and Public Health were elevated to full faculties: Medical Surgical Nursing; Maternal & Child Health Nursing; Public Health and Community Care; and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.
At the event, the Provost, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, said the development acknowledges the college’s long-standing contributions to nursing education amid growing demand for its programmes. She described the restructuring as “a significant milestone for the institution and the nursing profession in Nigeria.”
Dr. Owolabi urged the newly appointed deans to work tirelessly to produce world-class graduates. She also commended the former Heads of Departments, now Deans of Faculties, for their dedication to advancing the college.
The Provost praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its support, revealing plans to launch degree programmes in collaboration with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
Emphasising the faculties’ importance, Dr. Owolabi challenged the deans to use the diverse nursing courses to advance the healthcare sector. “This development is expected to foster growth and expansion of the nursing programme in the College, benefiting both the college and the broader healthcare sector in Nigeria and globally,” she said.
In his keynote address, LAUTECH Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, described the inauguration as a “historic and groundbreaking development.” He praised the college’s visionary restructuring, which fills a longstanding gap in nursing education among Nigerian institutions.
“With this inauguration of new faculties, the College will witness a turning point in nursing education and practice,” Prof. Omole said.
He further lauded Dr. Owolabi’s resilience and leadership, saying she has “redefined resilience as an administrator.” The Pro-Chancellor reaffirmed LAUTECH’s commitment to supporting the college’s goal of offering degree programmes aligned with global standards and best professional practices.
