A student identified as Ajoke, enrolled in the 300-level of Basic Medical Science at Harvarde College of Science, Business, and Management Studies in Obada-Oko, Abeokuta, reportedly took her own life on Monday evening by ingesting a poisonous substance, suspected to be sniper.

Discovering her lifeless body in her off-campus hostel room, it was sadly noted that Ajoke was believed to be pregnant. Unconfirmed reports suggest that her depression deepened upon learning of her pregnancy, exacerbating her distress over the accreditation status of her nursing program.

According to a colleague who wished to remain anonymous, Ajoke had been battling depression for over four months due to the distressing realization that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria had not accredited the institution’s nursing program. This revelation compounded her anguish, as she felt her parents had invested heavily in her education without the assurance of a recognized qualification.

In response to this tragic incident and concerns over accreditation, the Ogun State government swiftly took action by sealing the Nursing Department of Harvarde College. The enforcement team, comprised of officials from the State Ministry of Health and members of the State Nursing and Midwifery Committee, emphasized the dangers of unaccredited nursing programs, which contribute to the proliferation of quackery in the profession and jeopardize public health.

Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the imperative of accreditation in ensuring the quality and legitimacy of nursing education. He cautioned against pursuing nursing degrees from institutions lacking NMCN accreditation, as graduates risk being unable to practice both locally and internationally. Dr. Oladehinde urged prospective nursing students and their parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrollment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating quackery in the nursing profession.

This unfortunate event serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for stringent accreditation standards in Nigerian nursing education. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in academic institutions to safeguard the well-being of students and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession.