The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of Mrs Ifeoma Nwaogaranya and Comrade Francis Nwapa following their criticism of alleged anti-student practices at Ezzy International College of Nursing Science.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the ENF, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the group accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of being used “as a tool of repression” against critics and whistleblowers.
The forum described the reported DSS invitation extended to Nwaogaranya and Nwapa as “unacceptable, unnecessary and condemnable.”
“It is disgraceful that in a country overwhelmed by killings, kidnappings, armed banditry, violent attacks and worsening insecurity, the DSS is allegedly being reduced to an irresponsible and idle tool of repression in the hands of influential individuals who cannot tolerate criticism or call for accountability,” the statement said.
The ENF urged the DSS to focus on national security responsibilities “instead of involving itself in intimidation designed to silence students, activists and whistleblowers.”
The group also raised concerns over allegations surrounding the operations of the nursing institution, alleging poor learning conditions, anti-student practices and degrading treatment of students.
“We are deeply disturbed by the reports surrounding the operations and conduct of Ezzy International College of Nursing Science under the leadership of Mrs Gloria Chinyere Bertram-Okoli,” the statement added.
According to the ENF, nursing students should be trained in professionalism and clinical excellence rather than being subjected to manual labour.
“Nursing education is not slave labour. Nursing students are not domestic workers,” the forum stated.
The organisation further criticised what it described as growing authoritarianism in some private nursing institutions across Nigeria, warning that such practices threaten the future of the nursing profession.
The ENF also called on the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to investigate the accreditation status, infrastructure and disciplinary practices of the institution.
“How can a school with poor structural development, questionable academic environment and anti-student practices continue to operate under the supervision of the regulatory body responsible for maintaining standards in Nursing education?” the statement queried.
Among its demands, the forum called for the withdrawal of all forms of intimidation against Nwaogaranya and Nwapa, a refund of fees allegedly paid by Nwaogaranya, and guarantees for the safety of students and whistleblowers.
The ENF also urged the Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria to review the residency status and privileges of Mrs Gloria Chinyere Bertram-Okoli over what it described as “disturbing allegations of repression, abuse and intimidation.”
“The Nursing profession must never become a breeding ground for fear, exploitation, intimidation and abuse of power,” the statement said.
The forum added that it stands “in solidarity with all students, whistleblowers, activists and oppressed Nigerians resisting injustice and abuse of authority.”
