•Adds gov’t can’t do it alone, beckons private investigators for partnership
Dr. Adamu Jatau Noma, MNI, Proprietor of Yagongwo College of Nursing Sciences, Kuje, FCT, sat with Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Managing Editor to discuss the journey of building a top-rated nursing college from scratch. In this press interview, he speaks on funding challenges, government and private individuals partnership, student welfare, and why he calls his work “service to humanity.”
Sir, can we have your full introduction?
Thank you very much. My name is Dr. Adamu Jatau Noma, MNI. I am the proprietor of Yagongwo College of Nursing Sciences, Kuje, FCT.
Can you tell us the difficulties and the enjoyment in managing the school?
It has not been easy. The main challenge is funding. Funding to establish a school like this is not easy. So Allah rewards good-spirited individuals who partner and support us so we can grow bigger. The enjoyment is seeing the school thrive. Glory be to God, we have enough enrollment and we are always filling our quota.
Are you satisfied with the level the school has attained?
Yes, I am grateful to the Almighty God. The school is very popular and one of the best colleges of nursing sciences in Nigeria today. You can see students and lecturers moving around actively.
What will be your appeal to the Senate for a school like this to grow?
It will be difficult to ask legislators to budget directly for private institutions. But they can make legislation to appeal to state and federal government to support individuals helping the country, especially in health. The executive implements, but it is through the law.
What exactly are you demanding from senators?
Any right-thinking government does not need a law to support schools like this because we are helping the Nigerian government and people. Government alone cannot do it. Private individuals investing in nursing colleges need support from both executive and legislature.
The 2026 budget is ₦8.3 trillion with ₦402.75 billion for health. Are you satisfied?
I wouldn’t know the details of all health institutions. But I wonder why more money comes to government coffers yet there are complaints of budget non-implementation every year. I am no more in government, so I don’t know how they spend it.
Local governments now get far more allocation. What is your view?
*A:* A local government that used to get ₦10 million now gets about ₦1.2 billion. We are here to see what that money is bringing to local governments and states. We don’t know where those funds are going.
Are you making any effort to partner with government?
Government should identify us because our services are open. We are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Health, FCTA, and NBTE. Government should create a policy to support private individuals building institutions that support the country.
What specific areas do you need government support in?
Government can supply instructional materials, infrastructure, or build student accommodation. We are hiring houses now and a two-bedroom flat in Kuje is very costly. If government assists, we can reduce charges for students.
Would you accept a PPP where government provides finance?
I will accept, but government with 70% and private 30% will fail. Better government 30%, individual 70%. When you need funds urgently, government will talk about procedures and protocols. Private decisions take 30 minutes. Government waits for approvals.
What is your biggest frustration with government bureaucracy?
Bureaucracy. In January you need something, they say budget not approved, no releases. Only in Nigeria do we run 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets together. Private institutions need action. We want dividends immediately.
Do you face any limitations with certificates and accreditation?
No limitation. Just train students well. They sit for national exams and once they pass, they are recognized worldwide. We started with basic nursing, now we run ND and HND. That is four years plus one year intensive and NYSC.
How do you assess your students’ performance?
Our students are doing very, very well. We are proud of them. Go to Wuse General, Maitama General, or primary health centres in Lugbe, Gwagwalada, Kuje. They will tell you our students excel during practicals.
What do you do for financially challenged students and orphans?
We reduce fees for students from very poor families who are good and willing to learn. We have many orphans here. Some wanted to withdraw due to lack of parental support, but we encouraged them to continue. Our goal is for them to finish, pass their Nursing and Midwifery Council exams, and serve Nigeria and the world.
What motivates you to run this school as a selfless service?
It is just to serve humanity. We want God Almighty to be happy with us. We want humanity to be happy with us. Even if animals pass around the school, they should be happy with the environment. Once God and people are happy, we have achieved our objective.
