The College of Health Sciences (CHS) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi in commemoration of its 20th anniversary of nursing and midwifery education inaugurated the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SoNM) under the theme ‘‘Two decades of excellent nursing and midwifery education; A new era for transformative education,”.
In his welcome address, the Provost of CHS, Professor Christian Agyare emphasised the crucial role that nurses and midwives play in ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all, in line with Sustainable Goal 3. He highlighted the importance of equipping students with the necessary educational background, skills, attitudes, values, competencies, and innovative mindsets to address evolving challenges in healthcare delivery. He said that the new School is poised to providing solutions through education and training of future nurse leaders and researchers with soft skills that allow graduates to take leadership roles, train the next generation, and provide a community-based approach to healthcare.
He further revealed the School’s intention to rigorously research to provide a body of knowledge that advances nursing and midwifery practice. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Ghana and the University’s management for their support in ensuring that the School of Nursing and Midwifery has the necessary facilities to promote effective teaching and learning.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, acknowledged the contributions of faculty members, alumni, and various stakeholders to the success of the School of Nursing and Midwifery over the past two decades. He stressed the importance of lifelong learning and adaptation in the face of the evolving healthcare environment, emphasising qualities such as empathy, compassion, and patient-centered care. He called for collaboration with healthcare institutions, governmental bodies, and international organisations to expand research and improve healthcare delivery across the globe. Professor Owusu-Dabo encouraged the College of Health Sciences to embrace this new era to shape the future of healthcare and nursing.
In her keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Professor Lydia Aziato stated that as healthcare evolves, it is imperative that nursing and midwifery education programmes equip students with the necessary clinical competencies. To this end, she indicated that practical training, simulation exercises, and continuous professional development opportunities should be integrated into the curriculum. She mentioned the importance of ensuring that nursing and midwifery graduates are well-prepared to deliver safe and empathetic care.
Professor Lydia Aziato reiterated that a nurse's ability to meet the emotional and psychological needs of patients is equally crucial to their technical expertise. ‘‘We must encourage the exhibition of empathy in healthcare practices. By fostering empathy through education, we can create a compassionate healthcare environment that promotes healing, trust, and positive patient experiences. We must contribute to policy development and implementation as well as enhance our skills in technology’’, she stressed.
She noted the need for continuous partnerships, mentorships, research and publications to enable nurses and midwives to access training programmes, workshops, and conferences that expand their knowledge and skills. She encouraged the School to find innovative ways to support the University by attracting funding for the resources needed to train the students.
The Acting Dean of the School, Professor Veronica Millicent Dzomeku, commended the School's numerous achievements, including impactful community research by students and faculty members. She expressed hope for future innovation and progress in the healthcare system, as the school's elevation showcases its commitment to providing an environment of excellence that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Professor Dzomeku revealed that over the past 20 years, the school has introduced programmes such as BSC Midwifery, BSc Practical Care and BSc Public Nursing and a postgraduate programme in nursing. Furthermore, she added that the school is planning to introduce more advanced programs, including an MPhil Programme in midwifery, a PhD in midwifery, and a PhD in nursing scheduled for the next academic year. This expansion, she said, is aimed at addressing the limited availability of higher education options in nursing and midwifery in the country. The focus of these new programmes will be on higher education for nurses and midwives, addressing a significant gap in the country's healthcare education landscape, she remarked.
Professor Victoria Bubunyo Bam, Acting Head, Department of Public Health Nursing gave a background of the ‘Journey to Becoming the School of Nursing and Midwifery’. She highlighted the history and progress of the school, emphasizing their commitment to advancing nursing and midwifery education.
Fraternal and congratulatory messages were received from representatives of institutions including the Ministry of Health (MoH); Sister Universities; Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI); Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA); and Alumni rep among others.
The event also saw the official unveiling of the School of Nursing and Midwifery building at the Boadi Medical Enclave, KNUST, and the cutting of an anniversary cake.
