In a heartfelt plea rooted in love for his state and concern for its future, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged nursing students not to abandon the state’s health system after graduation by “japa-ing” abroad. Instead, he encouraged them to give back to the communities that invested in their education.
Speaking during the maiden matriculation ceremony for the upgraded College of Nursing, Enugu, Mbah—represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia—reminded the 240 matriculating students of the massive resources Enugu State had poured into improving nursing and midwifery education.
“We don’t train you just for you to leave at the first opportunity,” he said, calling the increasing trend of medical personnel fleeing the country for better opportunities a “syndrome” that the state must confront head-on. “If you’ve seen our 2024 and 2025 budgets, you’ll understand that we’re serious—our biggest investments are in education and health.”
Mbah noted that the state’s upgrade of the School of Nursing into a Higher National Diploma-awarding college was just one part of a larger transformation aimed at turning Enugu into a medical tourism hub. He emphasized that this transformation is not only about infrastructure but also about changing mindsets.
“You’re not just students; you’re future caregivers of this state. The investments we’re making—in cutting-edge labs, top-tier faculty, and smart technologies—are to ensure you don’t just see this as a job, but as service.”
In a bid to curb the exodus of health professionals, the governor said the state is committed to improving working conditions and providing global-standard facilities, including 260 new primary health centres and modernized teaching hospitals.
Dr. Yomi Jaye, Special Adviser on Health, added that with the upgrade of the nursing school, student admissions have already increased fivefold and will continue to rise to meet future healthcare demands.
The acting provost, Dr. Nkechi Ani, highlighted some of the governor’s achievements—ranging from the construction of an ultra-modern ICT center to international training opportunities for students and staff.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Rita Ogbodo praised the administration for lifting the college to new heights, noting that graduates now walk away with not just one, but four certificates: OND, Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, and HND.
While the temptation to leave for “greener pastures” may remain, Mbah’s message was clear: the grass is already turning green at home—and it needs caregivers who believe in building, not abandoning.
