An Urgent Call to Stakeholders: Save School of Nursing, Bida Before It's too Late.

An Urgent Call to Stakeholders: Save School of Nursing, Bida Before It's too Late.

By Esv. Usman Baba

Following the recent accreditation exercise conducted by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, both School of Nursing, Bida and School of Nursing, Kontagora have been approved to commence National Diploma ND & Higher National Diploma HND Nursing Sciences programs. 

In line with this, JAMB has also captured both schools in its portal for the 2024 JAMB UTME academic session. This is historic. It is a new dawn for nursing education in Niger State.

But with great opportunity comes great responsibility.

THE HARD TRUTH:

Today, our sister school in Kontagora is witnessing visible development. New structures, improved environment, better facilities. The government and stakeholders have rallied around it.

Meanwhile, School of Nursing, Bida,the oldest and most populated nursing institution in the state is being left behind. The state of the school and its environment tells a story of neglect, decay, and continuous decapitation. 

Let us be clear: ACCREDITATION IS NOT PERMANENT.  

NBTE gave approval based on minimum standards and a promise of improvement. If the physical infrastructure, learning environment, hostels, laboratories, and general welfare in Bida are not upgraded to meet ND/HND standards, the accreditation can and will be reviewed. The approval can be revoked.

We cannot celebrate JAMB listing today and mourn de-accreditation tomorrow.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

1. Our Students Deserve Better;

Bida SON produces the highest number of nurses serving across Niger State and beyond. They are training in an environment that no longer matches the standard of the certificate they will earn.

2. Our Reputation is at Stake; 

If Bida loses this ND/HND accreditation due to neglect, thousands of JAMB candidates from Bida Emirate and neighboring LGAs will be forced to go to Kontagora or other states. That is a loss to our economy, our health sector, and our future.

3. History Will Judge Us; 

The only reason Bida is lagging is not lack of need. It is lack of strong stakeholders to facilitate its development. Kontagora has champions. Who is championing Bida?

OUR DEMAND TO STAKEHOLDERS:

To:  

The Executive Governor of Niger State, Members of the National and State Assembly from Bida, Emirate and other neighboring Emirates, Traditional Rulers, Political Leaders, Alumni, NGOs, and Sons/Daughters of the Emirates 

This is a call to action, not politics.

1. Immediate intervention in infrastructural upgrade to meet NBTE standards for ND/HND.

2. Budgetary allocation for renovation of hostels, lecture halls, labs, and school environment.

3. Formation of a Stakeholders Development Committee to drive projects and monitor progress.

4. Political will to ensure Bida is not treated as a forgotten child.

The NBTE and JAMB have done their part by giving us approval. The ball is now in our court.

FINAL WORD:

If we fail to act now, we will lose what we have fought for. The accreditation that took years to get can be taken away in one review exercise.

Kontagora is moving forward. Bida must not be left behind.  

Let us not allow our school to die slowly because it “lacks stakeholders.”

The time to develop School of Nursing, Bida is NOW. Before the approval is revoked. Before the next accreditation team arrives. Before our children pay the price.

For the future of nursing in Bida Emirate and other neighboring Emirates,  

For the pride of Niger South, 

For the health of our people.

Save School of Nursing, Bida.

 

usmanbababd6570@gmail.com 

07065809370

Niger South Political Stakeholder.

July 2026.