Sokoto, October 7, 2024 — Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has announced plans to equip the state’s health training institutions with modern equipment to improve educational standards and produce highly qualified healthcare professionals. This commitment was made during a reception honoring Dr. Abubakar Faruk, the outgoing Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, who recently completed 35 years of service.
Governor Aliyu emphasized that outdated teaching equipment has hindered effective education in the state’s health institutions. “We cannot continue with obsolete teaching tools while technology advances rapidly,” he stated, highlighting the need for modernization as a priority within his administration’s nine-point smart agenda.
In a move to address workforce shortages in the health sector, Aliyu also announced the recent recruitment of over 800 nurses and midwives, many of whom had been awaiting employment for nearly a decade. This initiative aims to enhance service delivery in Sokoto’s healthcare system.
The Governor praised Dr. Faruk for his significant contributions to the development of the state’s School of Nursing, noting his efforts to encourage local youths to pursue careers in nursing and midwifery. He also commended Faruk for maintaining high academic standards within Nigeria’s nursing institutions during his tenure.
In response, Dr. Faruk highlighted the accomplishments achieved under his leadership, including the production of 147,000 nurses and midwives over eight years and an increase in annual output from 9,000 to 29,000. He also reported the establishment of 98 new nursing colleges nationwide during his term.
Governor Aliyu presented Dr. Faruk with Senator Wamakko’s ‘Award of Excellence’ in recognition of his dedicated service to the country and the state. The event was attended by various dignitaries who extended their goodwill to the outgoing registrar.