A bill to establish the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Awa-Ijebu, Ogun, has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Joseph Adegbesan (APC-Ogun), who sponsored the bill while leading the debate at the plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, said it would provide more training and research in nursing and midwifery.

The lawmaker, who represents Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency of Ogun, urged members to support the bill.

He said the college would lead to the award of professional certificates, diplomas, degrees, and other post-basic certificates, adding that it would make provision for the general administration of the college.

Mr Adegbesan said this would help raise the manpower quotient in nursing and midwifery, adding that it would complement the level of manpower in the health sector both in Ogun and the country.

He added that if passed into law, it would facilitate the development of skills in nursing and midwifery.

The lawmaker said that about 15,000 nurses and midwives left the country for overseas work in 2023, according to the registrar of the Nursing Council.

He said currently, the number of nurses and midwives is about 160,000, adding that in terms of ratio, it means about eight nurses and midwives for every 10,000 people.

He said this was contrary to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of five nurses and midwives to 2000 people.

He said the establishment of more nursing and midwifery schools would enhance the economic growth and development of the country.

Some lawmakers who spoke unanimously agreed with the bill, noting that Nigeria needed more medical practitioners to meet the WHO recommendation.

The deputy speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, however, called for a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted and passed for second reading.

 (NAN)