By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Tuesday, inaugurated four new Faculties designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education and actualise the collegiate status of the institution
The inauguration held on Tuesday, the state government said, marked a significant step in nursing education at the institution, elevating former Departments of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health within the College to standalone faculties of Medical Surgical, Maternal & Child Health, Public Health and Community Care, and Psychiatric and Mental Health.
This was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.
The Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, said this elevation recognises the college’s long-standing contributions to nursing education and the growing demand for its programmes.
She said, “The new framework in the college marks a significant milestone for the institution and the nursing profession in Nigeria.
“I therefore urge the new deans of faculties to work assiduously towards the attainment of world-class products from the college.”
The provost appreciated the Heads of Departments, who are now Deans of faculty, for their effectiveness and commitment to the progress of the college.
While commending the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration, the Provost said the institution had initiated steps to commence degree programmes in collaboration with the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
She challenged the deans of faculties to foster nursing education, stressing that the different courses offered must be a tool for advancing the healthcare profession.
“This development is expected to foster growth and expansion of the nursing program in the College, benefiting both the college and the broader healthcare sector in Nigeria and globally.”
In his keynote address, the Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, described the inauguration as a historic and groundbreaking development.
He praised the College’s bold step to infuse new faculties and departments into its academic system.
Omole explained that the College’s bold restructuring filled a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s nursing education, particularly among Colleges of Nursing in the country.
“With this inauguration of new faculties, the College will witness a turning point in nursing education and practice,” he said.
Commending the Provost for her doggedness, he said that Owolabi has redefined resilience as an administrator.
He reaffirmed LAUTECH’s commitment to supporting the college’s dream to award degree programmes to align with global standards and best professional practices.
Newsmen reported that the Oyo State government approved appointment letters for 116 key staff members to fill critical academic vacancies at the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan.
It also approved substantive positions for four principal officers, including the registrar and bursar. Speaking during a furniture donation event by the 1976-79 alumni set, Provost Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s support, saying, “The furniture will go a long way given the increased number of students in the college.”
The college received full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria following the September/October 2024 accreditation exercise.
Owolabi also highlighted the development of an online student clearance platform that avoids the need for physical presence. Emmanuel Kunle Oladejo, representing the alumni, urged the provost to work towards making the college degree-awarding and encouraged students to “work hard for excellence and take a cue from others who have excelled.”