Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has raised concern over the growing exodus of Nigerian-trained nurses, revealing that out of more than 1,000 nurses trained by the university, fewer than 15 are currently working in the country. Babalola disclosed during the 10th induction ceremony for 113 nursing graduates, held by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria at the university’s campus in Ado-Ekiti.
He said the trend persists despite the university’s hospital offering higher wages, attributing the mass exit to the country’s economic and systemic challenges. “Even at my hospital, where we pay more than average, they still leave. I do not blame them,” he said, urging the new inductees to be ambassadors of the institution and uphold the values of character, discipline, and hard work.
The event also featured a keynote address by Professor Adekemi Olowokere of Obafemi Awolowo University, who called for urgent government action to address the shortage of health personnel and ease the burden on remaining workers. Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, and Dean of Nursing Science, Professor Elisabeth Ojo, both praised the academic performance of the graduating nurses. It reminded them of the founder’s message to provide care with compassion and uphold global standards.
