Author: Wale Owoade

Integrate Digital Health, AI into Nursing Education, Clinical Practice – Alhassan

By Adewale Owoade

The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, has emphasised the need to integrate digital health, telemedicine, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into nursing education and clinical practice.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Alhassan stressed that future nurses must be tech-savvy and proficient in leveraging data to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Alhassan said that the future nurse must be tech-savvy and proficient at leveraging data to achieve best patient outcomes.

“There is need to invest more in postgraduate nursing education and research to produce local evidence for practice.

“This will help train more Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners to address key gaps in our healthcare system,” he said.

He disclosed this at the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Nursing University of Ibadan

He, however, challenged graduates and faculty to rise as bold advocates for health policy reform and to take up decisive leadership roles in hospitals, government, and academia.

“ Your degree is not merely a credential, it is a call to lead, to innovate, and to transform healthcare delivery,” he said.

Rep. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ido/Ibadan East Federal Constituency, represented by Hon. Niyi Yusuf, said that 60 years of nursing education at this university is no small feat.

Oseni said that the Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, stands as a beacon of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism not only in Nigeria but across West Africa.

“Since its inception, the faculty has produced generations of professional caregivers, educators, and health leaders whose work continues to save lives, promote wellness, and uplift communities.

“This school has carried sacred heritage with dignity and purpose. For six decades, it has stood as a beacon of knowledge and moral strength nurturing men and women whose hands heal, whose minds enlighten, and whose hearts serve humanity with uncommon devotion.

“ Truly, it is a legacy of skill and soul, of learning and love a light that continues to shine for generations to come,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges before nursing, Oseni said that among them is the mass exodus of our trained nurses to other countries in search of better working conditions, modern tools, and fair remuneration.

“This brain drain not only weakens our healthcare system but also threatens the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians who depend on our caregivers.

“It is a reality that demands urgent, innovative solution from improved welfare and professional recognition to the provision of modern facilities and continuous training.

“The health of our people is the wealth of our nation, and no country can prosper when its healers are weary and its caregivers are leaving in droves,” he said.

Oseni, however, reaffirms that the health and wellness of Nigerians remain one of my top priorities.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade said that 60 years of excellence in nursing education is truly a testament to the dedication and hard work of the faculty, staff, and alumni.

Owoade who was represented by his wife, Olori Abiwumi Owoade said that they all have contributed to the growth and development of this esteemed institution.

“Your commitment to providing quality healthcare and shaping the future of nursing is commendable.

“I am proud to note that Ibadan, the city of our beloved institution, has a rich history of academic excellence and cultural heritage.

“ Ibadan is in so many ways historically and culturally connected to Oyo and that connection and bond will surely continue.

“ University of Ibadan, in particular, has been a beacon of knowledge and innovation, and I am honored to be part of this celebration,” he said.

SME’s makes 96 percent of business in Nigeria, says Femi-Ajala

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Mrs Bukola Femi- Ajala, the Executuve Director, Institute for National Transformation (INT) said that SME’s make up 96 percent of business in Nigeria and contributes to 46-48 percent in GDP.

Femi- Ajala said this at the University of Ibadan School of Business Students Association 2025 Week with the theme “ Transforming Realities into Business Opportunities.

She said that SME’s account for 84 to 88 percent of employment in Nigeria.

“39 percent of businesses are owned by women, this implies a 39 percent female ownership rate in the country higher than 29 percent of sub-sahara Africa and 34 percent global average,” she said.

She, however, urged the government to look at youths and see into what will make them thrive.

“Looking at age, we have high youth population which inturn is innovation and energy.

Similarly, Dr Olufunmi Adegbile, Managing Director, Royal Spices Planner and Managers said that business is not about products or profits alone but the people.

Adegbile said that business is giving good customer service to people at all times.

“ Giving each job or service the utmost best at all times should be top tier, the quality of your service would determine how far you would go and what you will attain, ” she said.

Prof Adenike Osofisan, former Director of the University of Ibadan School of Business said that when establishing the school there was no school in the world that covered the syllabus they wanted to start with.

Osofisan said that other business schools were offering one of a few of what we wanted to start, non-had all courses we were establishing.

“We established this school with focus on what we depend on in Nigeria asides course that MBA is used to.

“This school was the first to be accredited by National University Commission. We’re collaborating with IITA with respect to agriculture business, where students are going there for lectures and practical lessons,” she said. (NAN)

‎World Post Day: Advancement in technology helping NIPOST deliver optimal service, says Postal Master

‎By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

‎The Postal Manager, NIPOST, Oyo State, Mrs Feyisara Umossoh, has appealed to residents in the state not to abandon it as the agency has embraced automation to deliver optimal service.

‎“We’ve moved from manual way of doing things to doing things the automated way. Our counters are now automated and we’re going with the federal government’s cashless policy; we don’t deal with physical cash again.

‎“Our services are automated that you can easily track and trace your items when using our service,” she said at an event on Thursday in Ibadan to commemorate the 2025 World Post Day.

‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the celebration is:“Post For People: Local Service”.

‎Umossoh said that NIPOST was still very relevant and not just doing postal service of letters alone, but service to humanity.

“ NIPOST covers every aspect of life like commerce, e-commerce. The post is actually a way of life because post office goes beyond posting of letters or buying stamps but involves interaction with people.

“In those days a postmasters was like a custodian of the community. Then our aged parents depended on them to write letters to their families for their needs or help in packaging items and sending to loved ones.

“ A postmaster used to serve as an intermediary between the urban and rural area. The postmaster was so much trusted with informations, values and happening in the rural community,” she said.

‎Umossoh said that the post office has evolved in affceting Nigerians life positively and that in the history of Nigeria, NIPOST started the idea of money transfer.

‎“People came here to send money infact Western Union started at the post office. We still have such service just that the world has advanced and many can easily send money from their homes using phone.

‎“ We see the advancement of technology has enhancing our services. We’ve moved from manual way of doing things to doing things the automated way.”

‎Umossoh also seized the occasion to recognised outstanding members of staff, both still in service and those that have retired earlier this year, for giving the job their best.

‎“We’re also honoring our retired colleagues, whom I refer to as generals; who have served humanity and gone extra miles to ensure that NIPOST perform optimally.

“ We have 44 members of staff who have retired between January and now and we’re honouring them for giving NIPOST their youthful days and this inturn will encourage and spur those still in service to give their best,” she said.

Makinde Vows to Keep Listening to Residents as Oyo’s 2026 Budget Consultation Opens

By Adewale Owoade

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated on that his administration will continue to engage citizens in the budget‑making process, ensuring that the 2026 budget reflects the aspirations and priorities of Oyo‑State residents.

Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Consultative and Engagement Meeting held at Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan,

Makinde said the seventh edition of the forum underscores the government’s commitment to a bottom‑up approach.

“This is the 7th in our Stakeholders’ Engagement series. We all have to work together to ensure there is no break in that cycle.

“There is something very important that I must say. I want to first of all appreciate our Economic Team for its consistency. We have seen the benefit of decoupling the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.

“I have said it many times that we are not going to be judged by how many kilometres of road we have constructed or how many schools we have built or other infrastructure but we think we will be judged by the institutions we are creating.

“In Oyo State, we are moving in the right direction as far as the institutions that we are creating and that is what will define this administration.

“I have listened to some of the issues raised here. Coming here every year is not for joking or trying to fulfil all righteousness but because we want to hear from the people. We want to listen to you.

“I remember in 2019, our first full budget. The budget we met in May 2019 was the budget from the previous administration and we reduced it by shaving off almost N180 billion from that budget. About this time in 2019, we had our own first budget.

“So, we decided to hear from the people, hear from them to know their aspirations for their government and I am glad that seven years on, there has been no regret because the people have taken ownership of their own budget. So, we will continue to try our best.”

Looking ahead to 2027, Makinde said the electorate will decide the next leader, but his team will present a candidate who aligns with the state’s roadmap for sustainable development. “Oyo people will ask the right questions; we are beyond stunt politics,” he declared.

The governor highlighted several achievements that have stemmed from the consultative process, including the completion of key road projects such as the Moniya‑Iseyin, Iseyin‑Ogbomoso and Oyo‑Iseyin roads, which have curbed rural‑urban migration.

He also announced plans to reform two technical colleges, implement the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and provide a safety net for women in the upcoming budget.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Musibau Babatunde, said the state government had been using the stakeholders’ meetings to influence its budgets since 2019 through a bottom-up approach that has made the state’s budgeting inclusive for effective implementation of projects.

He noted that the Agenda 2040 and the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 are guides that also represent the top-down approach for the government to engage the people for a better economic development of the state through science, logic and data.

Babatunde reported that stakeholder engagement has lifted budget performance to 71.5 % in 2024, with revenue up 80.86 % and expenditure at 68.9 % for the first half of 2025.

The UNICEF representative, Mr Mohammed Okori, said Oyo State Government on Makinde’s watch has been proactive and accountable, which is why UNICEF has focused on it, adding that development partners do not take their resources to where they will not find traction.

He noted that the Fund will continue to support Oyo State.

The chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins, equally commended the governor for what he has done for workers in the state.

The event had in attendance a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice A.L Akintola; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; PDP South-West Women Leader, Chief (Mrs) Bosede Adedibu; chairman of all Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; other top government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and traders, among others.