Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ezekiel Oyero
Published on 2024-02-21 05:36:40
A 300-level student in the Nursing department of Harvarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Obada in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has died from an alleged suicide. The victim, identified as Ajoke by her colleagues, reportedly took her life upon learning that the Ogun State Government had sealed her department for offering a degree programme in Nursing sciences for six years without accreditation.
An enforcement team comprising representatives of the Ogun State Ministry of Health and members of the State Nursing and Midwifery Committee (SNMC), had sealed the institution’s nursing department for offering a degree programme in Nursing Sciences for six years without accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kayode Oladehinde, stated that such unauthorised programmes contributed to quackery in the profession and posed a threat to the health of the populace. He said the Nursing Department of the institution would remain closed until it is fully accredited. Mr. Oladehinde, who was represented by the Acting Director of Nursing Services, Serifat Aminu, described a degree in Nursing obtained from Harvarde College and similar institutions without NMCN accreditation as worthless. He explained that graduates from such schools would be denied a license to practice in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
He warned parents and candidates desiring to pursue nursing or related programs to be wary of institutions making false claims by checking the NMCN website for an updated list of accredited institutions. He assured that the government would continue to checkmate quackery in the nursing profession. In a reaction, a 300-level student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed shock at the lack of accreditation, lamenting the amount of money her parents had spent on the program.
However, following Ajoke’s tragic death later in the day, which left the college community mourning, the state government shut the college. Ajoke’s body was discovered in her off-campus hostel room. Her colleagues and other students said they suspect she consumed a poisonous substance. A colleague of the late student said the deceased had been in a state of despair for some time.
“For more than four months now, she had been depressed because of the fact that the course she was studying was not accredited. She used to think and complain because she claimed her parents used all the money they have to send her to the school.”
As of now, the school’s cessation indicates new developments for the students’ future. This tragedy captured national attention, igniting criticism over the activities of such institutions and the need for government oversight and transparency within the education sector. There has been an increased focus on student well-being and the impact of unaccredited programs on students’ mental health and future prospects.
This incident also raises questions about the governance and administrative responsibility of educational institutions in providing accurate and relevant information to prospective students and their families. It underscores the need for parents and students to closely scrutinize the accreditation status of academic programs before making important decisions about their education and future careers.
In light of these developments, the tragedy at Harvarde College serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of inadequate oversight and transparency within the educational sector. It has reignited conversations around the need for stricter regulations and quality assurance in educational institutions, and the responsibility of the government to safeguard the well-being and interests of students.
This incident calls for urgent and comprehensive reforms to ensure that educational institutions adhere to strict accreditation standards and prioritize the well-being of their students. It draws attention to the importance of empowering students and their families with the information and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers. It highlights the need for collaborative efforts between the government, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions to maintain high standards of education and ensure that students are provided with credible and reputable academic programs.
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