NUNSA-KIU Hosts Landmark Maiden AGM and Executive Inauguration

The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students' Association, Kashim Ibrahim University (NUNSA-KIU), successfully hosted its maiden Combined Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Inauguration of Executive Council (EXCOs) and Orientation Programme for newly admitted students, themed “Trailblazers: Shaping the Future of Nursing at Kashim Ibrahim University.”

The landmark event attracted high-ranking health professionals, academics, nursing leaders, and representatives of students’ bodies from across the state. Initially conceived as a medium to inaugurate new executives, network, and interact with fresh students, the programme evolved into a full-fledged academic gathering marked by intellectual discourse, professional mentoring, and idea exchange. 

Discussions spanned nursing career prospects beyond bedside practice, the realities surrounding the “Japa syndrome,” and the persistent challenge of examination malpractice within academic systems.

In his opening remarks, the President of NUNSA-KIU, Bashir Malam Zaji, welcomed distinguished guests, lecturers, and students. He encouraged participants to pay close attention to the presentations, emphasizing that the core objective of such engagements is learning, professional growth, and capacity development.

Speaking during the session, Nurse Falmata Garba Muhammad, a lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science, Kashim Ibrahim University, highlighted the vast career opportunities within the profession. 

“Nursing is not confined to bedside practice alone. Our diversity allows us to spread our wings across multiple endeavours including nurse entrepreneurship, public health nursing, psychiatric nursing, among others,” she remarked.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mala Baba Mallam cautioned students against involvement in examination malpractice, noting its far-reaching consequences on professional futures. In his tone blend of humour and scholarship, he proudly stated that since the inception of the Nursing programme at the university, no nursing student has been convicted by the Examination Malpractice Committee, urging students to sustain the record of academic integrity.

The event featured several thought-provoking presentations. The guest speaker, Mrs. Yagana Mohammed Magumeri, Director of Primary Health Care (PHC) Magumeri Quota, underscored the importance of unionism in professional development. 

“Unionism serves as a catalyst for professional growth as it fosters cohesion, exchange of ideas, and collective decision-making,” she stated.

Delivering an advisory lecture, Prof. Babayo M. Tukur, Professor of Nursing Science, University of Maiduguri, described the current generation of nursing students as fortunate beneficiaries of expanding global opportunities within the profession. He further cautioned against illicit drug use, stressing its destructive impact on lives and careers. 

“Nursing is a sacred profession, thus immorality has no room here. Drug abuse ruins health and future potential. The future of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of the youth—and, ladies and gentlemen, you are that future,” he emphasized.

The Chief Host of the occasion and Head of Department, Nursing Science, Kashim Ibrahim University, Dr. Babaji Maigari, expressed profound appreciation—on behalf of the department and students—to the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Engr. Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for his unwavering commitment to education and healthcare development in the state.

He noted that despite the complexities of governance, the Governor has continued to provide critical support to Kashim Ibrahim University and the State Teaching Hospital.

“Our Governor remains determined to resuscitate the education and health sectors. We must support this vision by serving as worthy ambassadors of Borno State and the Nursing profession,” he urged.

Dr. Maigari also extended gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babagana Gutti, for his leadership and sustained support to the Department of Nursing Science and the Faculty of Medical and Allied Health Sciences. 

Dr. Babaji Maigari equally conveyed appreciation to the Dean Faculty of Basic Medical and Allied Health Sciences(BMAHS), Prof. Sani H. Garba, who served as Chairman of the occasion, and the Provost College of Health Sciences (CHS), Prof. Bukar Bakki for their guidance and institutional support.

The programme concluded on a vibrant note with games, networking sessions, and group photographs, marking a memorable beginning for the newly inaugurated executives and admitted students.