The newly established Kaura Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Science in Kebbi State has admitted 172 students, with its first batch of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma graduates expected in 2028.
The Provost of the institution, Dr Muhammad Musa, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interactive session with media aides to Governor Nasir Idris, while commending the governor for establishing the college to expand access to healthcare education.
Musa said the institution had helped reduce admission pressure on the State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi, while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activities in the state.
He said the first set of students was currently writing examinations, adding that 80 students were sitting for the National Diploma examination.
“The first set of students is currently writing examinations, while the first batch of ND/HND graduates is expected in 2028,” the provost said.
He added that arrangements had been concluded for the admission of the second batch of students, expressing optimism that the institution would continue to expand access to nursing and midwifery education.
The provost also disclosed that the college had attracted students from outside Kebbi State, including Imo, Enugu, Niger, Ogun and Kaduna states, among others.
According to him, the growing interest from other states demonstrates the institution’s potential to become an important centre for training healthcare professionals.
Musa said the college had qualified lecturers, standard laboratories, a library and information and communication technology facilities to support effective teaching and learning.
He also acknowledged the state government’s provision of essential infrastructure, including staff quarters, male and female hostels, and security arrangements to ensure a conducive learning environment.
The provost reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and producing competent nursing and midwifery professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery in Kebbi State and beyond.
He said the college would also enforce discipline among students, particularly regarding dress codes and the prevention of examination malpractice.
Musa commended Governor Idris for following the necessary procedures before establishing the institution, noting that the process had enabled the college to operate in line with its academic calendar.
However, he appealed to the state government to provide additional support through rural posting allowances, teaching allowances and the deployment of more security personnel to improve the safety of the institution and its surrounding community.
He urged residents to support government policies and programmes aimed at expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.
The establishment of the college is expected to increase the number of trained nursing and midwifery professionals available to support healthcare services, while providing more young people with opportunities to pursue careers in the medical field.