NANSNM National Convention — Climax or Endpoint (Unity in Nursing – a charade or mirage?)

It was an atmosphere of mixed encounters in the just concluded National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses & Midwives (NANSNM) national convention.

The convention, which was subject of major discuss in the Nigeria nursing community in recent times featured a symposium session that had in attendance nursing leaders across board, notable among them were the former Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) registrar, Mr Philip Ndatsu, the national president, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) ably represented by the national vice president III, Mrs Mercy, Dr. Emmanuel Anyebe, lecturer, nursing department, University of Ilorin, ably represented by Mr. Jeremiah Aleke, deputy provost academics, Niger State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Bida, Mr. Toba Odunmosu, former Nigeria University Nursing Students Association (NUNSA) national president who’s also the secretary, NANNM secretariat, Ondo state council, chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ebonyi state council, Mr. Nnaji Joel, with the hosting school principal, ably represented by the Vice Principal, Academic.

The convention, which also had in attendance the leaders of Nigeria University Nursing Students Association (NUNSA), namely; the national president, Israel Fawole, the national vice president, Caleb Chimerez, director of welfare, Kingsley Wilfred, the public relations officer and the president of the senate, senator Moses was a huge success considering the fact that it was the first of its kind from the association.

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The convention which had over 70 students from 18 schools of nursing in attendance lasted for 4 days with Sunday, 18th of August, 2019 being the arrival of students from far and near.

The second day, August 19, 2019 was a major talking point of the convention with nursing leaders in attendance highlighting major issues as it affects the profession, from HND nursing to the newly adopted student centred learning, amongst others.

The convention also featured a visit to the salt water lake, Uburu, Ebonyi state with a brief visit to the 5-star College of Nursing & Midwifery, Uburu. The discuss of NUNSA & NANSNM condensing into one aluta force was a major flash point where meetings and congresses were called to look into the matter with the conclusion being the formation of a transition committee for NANSNM which resulted in the NANSNM election initially billed to hold during the convention to be withheld. The transition committee were however given till October 30th to conclude their work and synchronise with the committee set up by NUNSA for the same purpose. The synchronisation which would take place during a joint national meeting and convention later in the year would work on the adoption of a new name, logo and constitution for the association.

21st of August was a spectacular field display of power, athletics and strength between the host school and visiting schools with a football competition which ended in a 2-2 draw with a dinner night which climaxed the convention.

Thursday, the 22nd of August was a memorable day as convention delegates departed for their various destinations amidst mixed feelings.

The convention took place on the prompt of NANSNM NATIONAL leadership under the watch of Com. Sina Ayelabowo.

The erstwhile NANSNM NATIONAL President hereby appreciate all the rare GEMS that were available to add value and significance to the epoch-making convention. He further appreciated the leaders of NUNSA for their presence and will power to embrace unity for a united front for nursing students in Nigeria and consequently nursing profession.
He added his apology to every concerned individuals regarding delay in the report of the convention.

He stated that critical issues of discussion and way out should be made known within, adding that making such viral on the internet might do more harm than good. He submitted that the video clip of the symposium session and other part of the program is almost ready and would be made available to necessary quarters very soon.

In his final remarks, he urged all the students preparing for their council examination, both in schools and departments of nursing to study well not only to pass but to pass and add more value to the profession with the knowledge so far acquired.

Below is the signed communique issued at the end of the congress which led to the formation of the transition committee for NANSNM.

DOWNLOAD COMMUNIQUE OF LEADERSHIP OF NANSNM AND NUNSA

REPORTING: Nrs Ogunleye O.A