The House of Representatives has taken a major step towards establishing a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, as concerns grow over the shortage of qualified nurses and midwives across Nigeria. The proposed legislation passed its second reading during plenary on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and seeks to expand professional healthcare training opportunities while strengthening the country's medical workforce.
The bill, sponsored by Benjamin Olabinjo, the lawmaker representing Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency, proposes the establishment of a specialised institution dedicated to nursing, midwifery, research and continuing professional education. Leading the debate, Olabinjo expressed concern that the increasing migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and other countries had worsened staffing shortages in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed college would provide opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals to obtain certificates, diplomas, degrees and post-basic qualifications in nursing and related specialities. The institution would also conduct examinations, support academic research and organise professional development programmes for practising nurses and midwives. Under the proposed structure, the college would have a governing council, separate schools of nursing and midwifery, and designated administrative officers.
Olabinjo maintained that expanding access to nursing education would strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, particularly in communities experiencing shortages of skilled birth attendants. He explained that the institution could also create employment opportunities for lecturers, administrative personnel and support staff while stimulating economic activities in Ifako/Ijaiye and surrounding communities. He added that establishing a training institution closer to home would reduce the financial burden on young people who currently travel long distances to pursue nursing education.
The bill is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny before returning to the House for consideration at the third-reading stage. It must also complete the necessary legislative processes and receive presidential assent before the proposed institution can be legally established. If approved and adequately funded, the college could increase Nigeria's capacity to train healthcare professionals and improve access to essential medical services.
Filed under
#House of Representatives
#Nursing College
#Lagos State
#Ifako Ijaiye
#Benjamin Olabinjo
#Nursing Education
#Midwifery
#Healthcare
#National Assembly
#Education News
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Summary
The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye, Lagos State, aimed at expanding healthcare training and addressing Nigeria's shortage of nurses and midwives. The House of Representatives has taken a major step towards establishing a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye Local...
Key takeaways
- The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye, Lagos State, aimed at expanding healthcare training and addressing Nigeria's shortage of nurses and midwives.
- The House of Representatives has taken a major step towards establishing a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, as concerns grow over the shortage of qualified nurses and midwives across Nigeria.
- The proposed legislation passed its second reading during plenary on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and seeks to expand professional healthcare training opportunities while strengthening the country's medical workforce.The bill, sponsored by Benjamin Olabinjo, the lawmaker representing Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency, proposes the establishment of a specialised institution dedicated to nursing, midwifery, research and continuing professional education.
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What is this story about?
The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye, Lagos State, aimed at expanding healthcare training and addressing Nigeria's shortage of nurses and midwives. The House of Representatives has taken a major step towards establishing a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye Local...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Babatunde Ademola Fadewo listed as author.
When was it published?
October 28, 2026
