The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has taken formal steps to widen access to nursing education in the country, holding talks with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) on a proposed restructuring of its Bachelor of Nursing Science programme that would allow O'Level holders to gain entry into the profession.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma led an 11 member delegation on a courtesy visit to the NMCN office in Abuja, where the university sought to align its Open and Distance Learning model with the council's regulatory standards.

Presenting the University's case, Uduma stressed that NOUN's core mandate is expanding access to education for all Nigerians regardless of background, pointing to the recent graduation of 51 prison inmates at the University's last convocation as evidence of that commitment.

"A significant number of Nigerians who wish to pursue nursing are unable to enrol under the current admission structure. We are proposing a framework that allows O'Level holders to gain entry while meeting all professional and clinical requirements," he stated.

Uduma assured the council that academic standards would not be compromised, confirming that NOUN is prepared to provide medical facilities, supervise clinical attachments and deliver practical training components in line with NMCN guidelines. "Open and Distance Learning has come to stay globally. We are ready to abide by your regulations and work within your framework," he added.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Helen Kwanashie stated that NOUN has the academic capacity and infrastructure to train competent nurses who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's healthcare delivery. She noted that the initiative could also support the development of generic nurses trained from secondary school level, strengthening the overall healthcare workforce.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu confirmed that all proposed training locations would be established and operated under NMCN approval and supervision.

Responding on behalf of the council, NMCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Hassan Ndagi acknowledged NOUN's vision and confirmed the council's openness to receiving the proposed working framework. He disclosed that a technical meeting between both parties would be convened to deliberate on next steps and implementation modalities.