By the NNH Editorial Desk
Published: June 23, 2025
As the Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON) opens admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session, it brings to the fore an issue that has long plagued federal inclusion efforts in Nigeria—uneven participation across states in national programs, particularly from the South-South states of Rivers and Bayelsa.
While the college’s admission is open to civilians, military, and paramilitary personnel nationwide, statistics from open-source federal employment records and tertiary institution matriculation data over the last decade indicate a consistent underrepresentation of applicants from Rivers and Bayelsa States in military and paramilitary-affiliated institutions. A 2022 Federal Character Commission audit flagged both states for falling below national averages in enrolment and application quotas in federal paramilitary training institutions.
This underrepresentation does not just reflect in numbers—it compounds economic exclusion, youth unemployment, and a widening skills gap in these regions. Opportunities like NACON’s ND/HND and Community Nursing Programmes can offer more than just certificates—they’re a launchpad for secure employment, leadership grooming, and regional representation in federal service.
Why This Matters
Programs like NACON’s not only offer accredited nursing education but also serve as gateways into stable careers within the Armed Forces Medical Services, community health systems, and public healthcare networks across Nigeria. With tuition structures subsidized by the government and structured pathways into employment, they provide a clear socioeconomic multiplier effect.
Sadly, in states like Bayelsa and Rivers, such information often gets lost amid noise or fails to reach rural communities where it could make the most impact. As of 2023, fewer than 3% of applicants to paramilitary medical institutions hailed from Bayelsa, and Rivers fared only marginally better.
What Should Be Done?
• Promote NACON admissions via town hall meetings, churches, mosques, and community WhatsApp forums.
• Encourage schools and guidance counselors to prioritize this opportunity for SSCE/UTME holders aged 18–25.
• Mobilize community influencers and NYSC alumni to assist rural applicants with digital registrations.
• Facilitate transport and documentation support for young women and men willing to apply, especially for the August 2025 screening.
The Bigger Picture
Health is wealth. And nursing is not just a profession—it is a development tool. Encouraging more youths from the Niger Delta into such programs will not only reduce unemployment but also bolster primary healthcare capacity in under-served rural areas.
Let us not allow low awareness to rob our people of life-changing opportunities. This is a call to action to leaders across the Niger Delta to rise and ensure equitable participation in national platforms like this.
🗓️ Registration runs from June 23 – August 7, 2025
📍 Screening: August 18–21, 2025
📞 Enquiries: 07043374034, 09014442003
At NNH, we are committed to amplifying development-focused opportunities that empower underserved communities. If you know a young Nigerian who qualifies, share this now.
