The Federal Government has announced a significant rise in the annual enrolment into nursing programmes across the country, marking a jump from 28,000 students in 2023 to 115,000 in 2025. This surge, officials say, reflects a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to transform healthcare and education under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by its Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, the leap in enrolment numbers highlights a “ground-breaking” shift in the training of health professionals. The statement noted that as of May 28, 2023 — the day President Tinubu assumed office — the number stood at 28,000, and has since quadrupled due to focused reforms in the education and health sectors.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, attributed the progress to the administration’s strategic focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM). He noted that through close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, led by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the government has not only achieved but surpassed its target of enrolling 110,000 nursing students annually, now standing at 115,000.
Dr. Alausa thanked key stakeholders including the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, teaching hospitals, and ministry staff for their roles in this achievement. He emphasized that the increased capacity signals the beginning of a new era for nursing education in Nigeria, placing the country in a stronger position to meet both domestic and international demand for well-trained healthcare professionals.
The initiative is part of broader reforms to reposition Nigeria’s educational institutions to meet global standards, enhance professional training, and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign healthcare workers.
