Appointment of Alhassan, NMCN Registrar, excites Niger Govt.
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, has hailed the appointment of Dr Ndagi Alhassan as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Umaru-Bago, who expressed the gratitude of the state, noted that the appointment marked the second time an indigene of the state would hold the prestigious national position.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor spoke at a civic reception organised in honour of the appointee on Saturday in Minna.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Mamagi, described the development as a significant milestone, assuring that the state remained committed to supporting the new registrar in every possible way.
“Whatever kind of support he expects, we are ready to provide, be it moral, financial, or otherwise. We are fully behind him,” Bago assured.
On efforts to strengthen the health sector and the nursing profession in the state, the governor said his administration had granted permanent appointments to casual health workers and placed them on the approved state minimum wage of ₦80,000.
He reaffirmed government commitment to regulating schools of health to ensure high standards in training health professionals, adding that a task force, comprising the Ministries of Health, Tertiary Education, Basic and Secondary Education, and the Internal Revenue Service “is actively monitoring health institutions across the state.”
Umar-Bago emphasised his administration’s dedication to supporting the younger generation by ensuring that schools of health and nursing in the state maintain the highest level of professionalism, thereby contributing to the broader improvement of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion and immediate past Registrar of the council, who is also the Sokoto State Commissioner for health, Dr Faruk Umar-Abubakar, said the task of regulating the profession was very difficult, but expressed optimism that his successor with the support of all stakeholders would succeed.
He described the relationship between the council and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives as cordial, saying that the presence of the national president of the association and representatives of the 36 states and FCT, was a testament to the cordial relationship.
Umar-Abubakar appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, for allowing continuity of leadership succession within the council, assuring that the appointee “is qualified and fit for the position, though, leadership of the profession is difficult in the country.”
In his goodwill message, the State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr Bello Tukur, observed that there would be no healthcare system without the nurses and promised to continue to improve on the welfare of the nurses.
He said the Bago-led administration was poised on providing quality healthcare services and other sectors development, adding that detractors would not be allowed to draw them back.
The National President, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Mr Haruna Mamman, showered encomium on the new registrar, pledging the support of the association to facilitate his success.
In his keynote address, the Guest Speaker and Pro-Chancellor, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna (AKUM), Prof. Mohammed Kuta-Yahaya, described the nursing profession as one of the most acclaimed and sort for globally, while urging the new registrar to expand the scope of the profession in the country.
NAN reports that the Guest Speaker, who spoke on the theme: ‘Leadership, Healthcare and Future of Nigeria’s Youth’, said: “Sustainable development is rooted in the quality of leadership we nature today.
“These leaders exemplify service-driven leadership, vision and measurable impact.”
He also recommended for policy reform to strengthen enforcement of ethical and professional standards in nursing and midwifery, investment in health education, and youths inclusivity in policy making for health.
Kuta-Yahaya observed that true leadership transcend titles, saying: “With collaboration among stakeholders, we can together build a Nigeria where quality healthcare, education, and opportunity are rights, not privileges.”
He, however, commended Gov. Umaru-Bago for his laudable transformation projects, adding that the state had made a remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, youth development, public health and governance.
Responding, the appointee, who described his appointment as a rare privilege and a call to greater responsibility, pledged his unwavering dedication to advancing nursing and midwifery practice in the country.
Alhassan expressed profound gratitude to Tinubu and Pate for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am well aware of the responsibilities that come with this great position, and I pledge to discharge my duties with diligence, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the growth and professional excellence of nursing and midwifery in Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Alhassan acknowledged the support of his professional mentors, colleagues, and the nursing community nationwide, stressing that the recognition was not just personal but a reflection of collective progress in the health sector.
The new registrar also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and renewed his determination to strengthen nursing and midwifery education, regulation, and practice in Nigeria for improved healthcare delivery.(NAN)
