All is set for the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Nursing Programme, University of Ibadan, scheduled to hold from October 13th to 19th, 2025. The weeklong event marks six decades of pioneering excellence, leadership, and innovation in nursing education and practice across Nigeria and West Africa.
Established in 1965, the University of Ibadan Nursing Programme holds the pride of place as the first university-based nursing programme in Sub Sahara, Africa. It heralded a major paradigm shift in nursing education transforming training from a hospital-based apprenticeship model to a rigorous academic discipline grounded in research, theory, and professional scholarship. This bold vision not only elevated the status of nursing in Nigeria but also inspired the development of similar programmes nationwide and across the region.
Over the years, the programme has produced generations of nurses who have become leaders, educators, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers impacting healthcare delivery, policy, and research within and beyond Nigeria. Its alumni continue to distinguish themselves globally, holding positions of influence in universities, hospitals, international organisations, and public health institutions. Through their expertise and commitment, they have upheld the University of Ibadan’s reputation as a beacon of excellence and service to humanity.
Reflecting on this historic milestone, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Professor Prisca Adejumo, described the anniversary as “a celebration of vision, resilience, and transformation.” According to her,
“Sixty years is not just a passage of time it is the story of a journey of courage, scholarship, and impact. The University of Ibadan Nursing Programme has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s healthcare system through research, education, and community engagement. We are proud of our roots, grateful for our trailblazers, and inspired by the bright future that lies ahead.”
The Chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr. Adeyinka Ishola, noted that the diamond jubilee would serve as “a moment of reflection and renewal.” In her words,
“This celebration is about honouring our past, celebrating our present, and envisioning the future. We are paying tribute to those who laid the foundation for academic nursing in Nigeria while reaffirming our commitment to advancing nursing education, leadership, and innovation for generations to come.”
As part of its future vision, the University plans to transform the Nursing Programme into a globally recognised centre for advanced nursing science, research, and health system leadership. Strategic investments are underway in areas such as digital learning, simulation laboratories, telehealth education, and specialised postgraduate programmes in critical care, informatics, and community health ensuring that UI-trained nurses remain relevant in an evolving, technology-driven healthcare landscape.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, reaffirmed the University’s unwavering support for the programme’s continued growth, describing it as “one of the University’s proudest success stories.” He said:
“The Nursing Programme exemplifies the University of Ibadan’s spirit of excellence, service, and leadership. For sixty years, it has produced nurses who are not only highly skilled professionals but also visionary leaders transforming healthcare across Africa and the world.”
The anniversary celebrations will feature academic lectures, exhibitions, alumni reunions, community health outreaches, and a grand award dinner honouring distinguished alumni, faculty members, and partners who have contributed to the programme’s enduring legacy.
As the University of Ibadan Nursing Programme turns 60, the message from its corridors is clear: the torch of excellence must keep burning. With innovation, compassion, and scholarship at its heart, UI Nursing stands ready to lead the next generation of transformative healthcare professionals lighting the path for a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for all.
