Plateau Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Healthcare

By Lengmi Joshua Lumi 

The Plateau State Government has restated its commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector through strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and professional training.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, who represented the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at the official opening of the Examiners’ Workshop for Nurses held at Crispan Hotel in Jos with the theme, Competency Based Assessment: A Foundation for Effective Nursing and Midwifery Education and Practice.

Speaking at the event, the governor's representative extended a warm welcome to guests, facilitators, examiners, and nurses from across the country, commending their dedication to the nursing profession.

"In Plateau State, we have continued to invest in healthcare at all levels: tertiary, secondary, and primary by upgrading infrastructure and recruiting skilled personnel," he said. “Since the inception of this administration, nurses have been employed across the board, with ongoing recruitment efforts aimed at addressing workforce gaps.”

The governor praised the nursing profession for its continued efforts to uphold high standards and embrace reforms in service delivery. He described nurses as the "backbone of the healthcare system," noting that their responsibilities go far beyond bedside care to include roles as educators, counsellors, advocates, and critical decision-makers.

"This workshop, which focuses on strengthening the capacity of nursing examiners, is both timely and crucial...As healthcare evolves with technological advancements and global health challenges, we must ensure our assessment systems are aligned with global best practices," he added

Barr. Mutfwang applauded the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Plateau State Ministry of Health, and the Department of Nursing Services for organizing the workshop and reiterated the government's directive to the inspectorate unit to intensify efforts against quackery in the health sector.

“As a government, we are committed to supporting our healthcare professionals through conducive policies, infrastructure upgrades, continuous training, and welfare initiatives aimed at retaining top talent...Our College of Nursing remains a priority, and we are investing in its development to meet accreditation standards”, Governor Mutfwang emphasized.

He urged examiners and facilitators to uphold professionalism, objectivity, and integrity in their assessments, as the quality of nursing graduates is significantly influenced by the rigour and fairness of the examination process.

He officially declared the Examiners’ Workshop for Nurses open, wishing all participants successful deliberations.

Giving the welcome address, the Director of Nursing Services, State Ministry of Health, Mr. Tongshime Chinke Gondam emphasized the crucial role of assessment in shaping the future of nursing in Nigeria and expressed gratitude to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria for choosing Plateau as the host. 

Mr. Gondam also commended the Plateau Government for prioritizing healthcare through infrastructure upgrades and the appointment of nurses to key leadership roles, earning him the title of “Nurses’ Friendly Governor.”

The Registrar and CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, emphasized the importance of the event as a statutory and strategic platform for professional development and safeguarding the integrity of nursing examiners. 

He noted that the workshop is designed to equip both current and prospective examiners with up-to-date knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for preparing students and conducting professional examinations effectively.

Alhaji Alhassan highlighted that this year’s program would address key innovations, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence in nursing education and its potential to enhance competency-based assessment. 

He expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government and its people for their support, hospitality, and provision of a conducive environment for a successful workshop.

The Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda; the Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Christopher Yilgwan; the Provost of Plateau State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Vom, Nurse Sambo Danlami; and the Atar Aten of Ganawuri, HRH Yakubu Chaimang who  represented the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba delivered goodwill messages during the event.

They described nursing as a divine calling dedicated to the service of humanity, and expressed gratitude to all attendees, assuring them that their participation would be rewarding.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Emmanuel Anyebe of the Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Ilorin, who spoke on the topic, "Competency-Based Assessment: A Foundation for Effective Nursing and Midwifery Education." He emphasized that competency-based assessment (CBA) serves as a pivotal strategy in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery education.

Mrs. Lydia Dalyop and Mr. Caleb Malgit, speaking separately, expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the organizing committee and conveyed high expectations for the program. 

They emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building and staying abreast of global trends in the nursing profession. Both underscored the need to effectively transfer this knowledge to students, particularly in adapting to the current use of computer-based assessments in the system.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Council, Mrs. Stella Godswill, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff at the Registrar's Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Mutfwang, government officials, and the Royal Father for their early and gracious presence. 

She also commended the keynote speaker for an excellent presentation and extended the Council’s gratitude to all participants. Additionally, she acknowledged both the Central and Local Organizing Committees for their dedication and efforts in ensuring the success of the event.