Premier Nursing College seeks government support to expand campus, introduce degree programmes

Premier Nursing and Midwifery Training College has reached out to the government, traditional leaders, and other partners for financial and infrastructural assistance to expand its campus and introduce degree programmes in nursing and midwifery in Ghana. The private college's principal, Afia Serwaa Yegbe, made the plea during the institution's 25th anniversary celebration, held under the theme "25 Years of Impactful Nursing and Midwifery Education."

Yegbe emphasized the need for adequate funding to develop a new campus in Adadientem, Ashanti Region, and to broaden academic offerings to meet evolving demands in the field.

The anniversary event welcomed alumni, traditional leaders, academics, and stakeholders to celebrate the college's 25 years of contribution to nursing and midwifery education and to discuss strategies for strengthening its future. Addressing concerns about the quality of education at private nursing institutions, students were encouraged to remain committed to their studies and not be deterred by the belief that private schools offer inferior training.

They were reminded that many distinguished health professionals in Ghana and abroad were trained at Premier College.

Registrar Nana Osei Kwadwo addressed concerns about unemployment associated with private nursing institutions, assuring that the college provides comprehensive training for professional practice. He emphasized that government employment opportunities, not the college, ultimately determine job placement. Regarding financial difficulties faced by students, Kwadwo called for stakeholder support to help students complete their studies, as government allowances often fall short of covering educational expenses.

The college's 25th anniversary serves as a reminder of its impact on nursing and midwifery education and a renewed call for partnerships and support to enhance healthcare training and expand access to quality healthcare in Ghana. Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, a former lecturer and Chief of Nkwantakese in Afigya Kwabre North District, urged traditional authorities to support private nursing and midwifery training institutions.

He emphasized the importance of community sponsorship to ensure trained professionals return to their communities, highlighting the need for nurses in rural areas.