Nursing Council Warns New Elizade Graduates Against ‘Japa’, Urges Commitment to Nation’s Healthcare

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has inducted 69 nursing graduates from Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, cautioning them against joining the growing trend of “japa” — the mass emigration of Nigerian professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

Speaking during the induction and oath-taking ceremony held on campus at the weekend, the Registrar of the Council, Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, represented by a director, Dr. Olukemi Awe, described nursing as a noble profession and urged the new practitioners to dedicate their skills and compassion to serving their country.

“Your success in the council examination has qualified you for a one-year internship programme, after which you will receive your registration number, licence, and certificates from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria,” he said.

“Your degree will be recognised globally, but please, don’t leave the country yet. Let’s take care of Nigeria — we still need you here. Do not ‘japa’ for now. However, if you must travel, avoid war-torn countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Israel,” Alhassan advised.

He further charged the inductees to uphold professional ethics, maintain discipline, and continue learning under the guidance of experienced practitioners. “Do not allow what you have achieved today to mark the end of your learning journey. Continue to grow, explore, and advance in nursing,” he added.

In his address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof. Babatunde Adeyemo, congratulated the new nurses on their achievement, describing nursing as a calling rooted in compassion, service, and humanity.

He urged them to practise with integrity and empathy, noting that the oath they took represented a lifelong pledge to uphold the dignity of human life and the highest standards of the nursing profession.