The Nigerian Army Medical Corps has commenced the first stream of the 2026 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme for nurses, focusing on strengthening public health nursing and promoting health equity.

The programme, organised by the Directorate of Nursing Services of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, is themed: “Public Health Nursing and Health Equity: Leaving No One Behind.”

Declaring the programme open in Kaduna on behalf of the chief of army staff, Waidi Shu’aibu, the general officer commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Abubakar Wase, said the training was crucial to sustaining high professional standards among Nigerian nurses.

Mr Wase commended the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the MCPDP committee for their commitment to maintaining excellence in education and ethical practice within the nursing profession.

According to him, the dedication of Nigerian nurses has continued to position them among the most sought-after healthcare professionals globally.

He noted that the programme’s theme aligned with global health priorities, including the aspirations of the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to promote healthy lives and well-being for all.

“As a commander, I see how nurses and midwives maintain the readiness of our troops through healthcare delivery on a daily basis.

“Within our medical facilities, your professionalism is the bridge between ill-health and recovery. Without a motivated and skilled nursing workforce, we cannot be truly secure,” he said.

The GOC restated that public health nursing extends beyond hospital-based care to address broader health determinants, such as poverty, education, sanitation, and nutrition.

He, therefore, urged participants to take advantage of the training to sharpen their skills and update their knowledge in response to evolving medical challenges and technological advancements.

Also speaking was the corps commander, Innocent Enwuchola, who described the training as a vital component of the corps’ commitment to professional excellence.

The corps’ director of nursing services, Juliana Awuto, said the first stream of the MCPDP in 2026 was significant, adding that it would set the tone for professional engagements throughout the year.

The training programme brings together military and civilian nurses of the corps for a week-long professional development session aimed at strengthening capacity in public health practice and equitable healthcare delivery.

(NAN)