UNILORIN don, Prof. Olubiyi tasks nurses on excellence

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

A Professor of Nursing at the University of Ilorin, Simeon Kayode Olubiyi, has urged nurses in Nigeria and the diaspora to embrace what he described as the “Trifecta” of care, compassion, and capability to deliver quality healthcare and elevate the nursing profession.

Olubiyi, of the Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, made the call while delivering the institution’s 300th inaugural lecture titled “Care, Compassion and Capability: The Trifecta of Nursing Excellence” at the university auditorium.

He stressed that achieving and sustaining excellence in nursing requires continuous implementation of mandatory simulation-based training programmes by the government. According to him, such training would enable nurses to respond effectively in emotionally charged situations, improve trust-building, enhance pain management, and support early detection of patient deterioration for better clinical outcomes.

The professor also called on hospitals at all levels to prioritise the provision of protective equipment and essential materials needed by nurses to effectively deliver care, control hospital-acquired infections, and save lives.

He urged school proprietors, regulators, and policymakers to give priority to school health services, adding that nurses must ensure such programmes are pupil-friendly, accessible, and beneficial to the school community.

Olubiyi further advocated the inclusion of compassion-focused training in nursing education, emphasising theories that enhance patient welfare and reduce overdependence.

He also encouraged policymakers to develop programmes that address harmful practices, with nurses leading counselling initiatives to tackle violent behaviours and their broader societal impact.

According to him, structured communication tools should be introduced to help nurses engage patients about their fears and preferences, thereby fostering openness and improving adherence to treatment.

The don also highlighted the need for adequate nurse-to-patient ratios, noting that this would give nurses the time and mental space required to provide attentive, compassionate, and safe care, while reducing burnout and errors.

He concluded by urging government and stakeholders to create and sustain improved working conditions for nurses by addressing productivity pressures, standardising nurse-client ratios, and eliminating unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.