Forum of Private Health and Nursing Colleges Engages Regulatory Agencies on Healthcare Education, Quality Assurance and Policy Issues

The Forum of Proprietors of Private Colleges of Health and Nursing in Nigeria has concluded a series of high-level engagements with the leadership of major regulatory agencies in Nigeria's health and technical education sectors, as part of its commitment to strengthening healthcare education, promoting quality assurance, and addressing emerging challenges affecting private health training institutions and students across the country.

The Forum, led by its National Chairman and Provost of Emirates College of Health Sciences and Technology, ECOHSAT, Dr. Shuaibu Suleiman, held productive meetings with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, CHPRBN, and the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.

The high-powered delegation comprised key national and zonal executives including the National Secretary, Dr. Loveday J.C. Esq.; Ag. Financial Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Ishola Oluwatoyin Eunice; South-West Zonal Representative, Hon. Lawal I. A.; South-South Zonal Representative, Dr. Iduawyl Osaro; South-East Zonal Representative, Dr. Emeka Wesley; North-Central Zonal Representative, Dr. Mrs. Amera Becky Erdeo; North-East Zonal Representative, Alh. Umar Faruk Abubakar; and Northwest Zonal Representative/National Treasurer, Alh. Bello Ibrahim.

A major issue deliberated during the meetings was the plight of health technician students and graduates who have been adversely affected by recent policy changes impacting their academic and professional progression. The Forum expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by many affected candidates and appealed to the regulatory agencies to adopt practical and transitional measures that would safeguard their educational and career aspirations.

While acknowledging that consultations on the matter are still ongoing, the meetings recorded significant progress, with stakeholders agreeing on a number of recommendations expected to ease the burden on affected technicians across various health programmes. The Forum expressed optimism that continued engagement would culminate in practical and sustainable solutions that protect both educational standards and the interests of students.

The meetings also addressed the growing concern over the proliferation of unaccredited health training institutions across the country. Participants unanimously emphasized that the activities of such institutions undermine professional standards and pose a serious threat to the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

In response, the Forum pledged its unwavering support to the regulatory agencies in combating the menace. It resolved to intensify sensitization among its members on the importance of maintaining accreditation standards and strict compliance with regulatory requirements. The Forum also committed to identifying and reporting operators of illegal and unaccredited institutions who remain recalcitrant despite repeated warnings.

Speaking during the engagements, Dr. Shuaibu Suleiman reaffirmed the Forum's commitment to fostering constructive collaboration with regulatory bodies in advancing healthcare education in Nigeria.

"The Forum remains committed to supporting every initiative that strengthens quality healthcare education and safeguards professional standards. We believe that continuous engagement with our regulatory agencies is essential for addressing emerging challenges, protecting the interests of our students, and ensuring that Nigeria produces competent, ethical and globally competitive healthcare professionals. The recommendations emerging from our engagements have renewed hope for affected health technicians and we remain committed to working with all stakeholders until lasting solutions are achieved," he said.

The Forum also extended congratulations to Dr. Donald Ofili, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of MLSCN, on his appointment as the substantive Registrar/CEO of the Council. It further congratulated the Registrar of CHPRBN, Dr. Bashir Idris, Lifidin Jama'a, on his election as Chairman of the Committee of Registrars of Health Professional Regulatory Bodies in Nigeria.

During the visit to NBTE, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, reaffirmed the board's commitment to supporting genuine private institutions operating within the ambit of the law. He emphasized the critical importance of strict adherence to NBTE policies, quality assurance mechanisms, and accreditation requirements, noting that compliance remains fundamental to sustaining excellence in technical and vocational education. He assured the Forum of NBTE's continued support and collaboration in promoting quality healthcare training.

The Forum commended the leadership of MLSCN, CHPRBN, and NBTE for their openness, professionalism, and willingness to engage stakeholders on issues affecting healthcare education.