Students of Ogun State College of Nursing Science, Abeokuta, say their journey to becoming healthcare professionals is one defined by sacrifice, resilience, and determination.
In a recent report, many students said they had to wake up very early to endure long lectures, while spending hours on clinical postings. “It’s not an ordinary life; you have to give up a lot to be here,” one student said.
Finances remain a significant challenge. Some students said their families struggle to fund tuition and upkeep, but they persevered because nursing, to them, is more of a calling than a career.
The workload, they added, demands physical and mental energy. “Sometimes, I study past midnight only to wake up at 5 a.m. again,” a male student said. Despite this, many expressed strong motivation to address gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, citing poor patient care and manpower shortages.
