The Pioneers: First Set of FUTA Nursing Students Begin Academic and Professional Training

History is being made at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) as the institution officially commences training for the pioneer set of students admitted into its Nursing Science programme for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The inaugural cohort comprises 42 students currently in their 100 level, undergoing foundational training through general science courses including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, and General Studies. The programme marks a significant expansion of FUTA’s academic portfolio into core medical and health sciences.

The Acting Head of the Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS), Dr. Sikirulai Olatunde-Jeje, confirmed that the programme is fully operational following a successful resource verification exercise conducted by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

According to Dr. Olatunde-Jeje, the academic structure of the programme is designed to progressively build students’ competencies. He explained that at 200 level, students will begin foundational medical courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Developmental Psychology, alongside introductory nursing courses. By 300 level, emphasis will shift to core nursing sciences, including Pharmacology and Pathology.

He further noted that students in their 400 and 500 levels will sit for professional qualifying examinations to become Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives, or Public Health Nurses. To graduate, each student must successfully pass at least one of two professional examinations organised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

Dr. Olatunde-Jeje added that the programme places strong emphasis on clinical competence, with students expected to undergo hospital postings and Industrial Training (IT) alongside classroom instruction. He stressed that the goal is to produce nurses who are not only technically sound but also grounded in compassion, empathy, and professional ethics. He disclosed that the department is still evolving, with structures and systems being developed to support quality training and long-term growth.

Speaking on behalf of the pioneer students, Class Representative Orimoloye Gbemisola described the journey so far as both exciting and demanding. She noted that while the absence of senior nursing students initially posed a challenge, the cohort has adapted well and continues to receive strong support from lecturers across the university.

Orimoloye explained that her desire to become a health practitioner motivated her decision to study at FUTA, citing the institution’s reputation for rigorous and substantive education. Despite the pressures associated with being pioneers, she expressed optimism about the future, describing FUTA as a true seat of knowledge that shapes destinies.

Another pioneer student, Osolobri Evi-Jane, shared her experience of adjusting to Akure and university life. She noted that although the city was unfamiliar at first, she has since settled in comfortably, describing the environment as conducive for learning. She commended the lecturers for their openness and engaging teaching style.

Osolobri stated that she deliberately chose FUTA for its strong academic culture, believing it would provide the right foundation for personal growth and professional development. She expressed her aspiration to use the knowledge and experience gained at FUTA to contribute meaningfully to communities with limited access to healthcare.

Also sharing his experience, Oguntunbi Timileyin, one of the male students in the programme, praised the dedication of the lecturers, noting that they consistently go beyond basic instruction to ensure students understand the coursework. He explained that his long-standing passion for healthcare and service to humanity informed his decision to pursue nursing.

Oguntunbi added that the welcoming “Futarians” culture further reinforced his choice of FUTA. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the university will equip him with the skills and values required to excel as a nurse, make a positive impact on patients’ lives, and uphold the institution’s reputation.

As FUTA’s Nursing Science programme takes its first steps, the pioneer students stand not only as learners but as trailblazers, laying the foundation for what promises to become a critical pillar in the university’s contribution to healthcare education and national development.