The Kwara State Hospitals Management Board (KW-HMB) has welcomed the approval and adoption of an enhanced entry grade for qualified Nursing Officers in the state civil service.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, described the development as a significant milestone for the nursing profession and the healthcare system in Kwara State.

The approval follows the decision of the National Council on Establishments (NCE), as adopted by the Kwara State Government, to raise the entry grade level for qualified Nursing Officers from Salary Grade Level 09 to Grade Level 10.

Reacting to the development, Malik said the new entry point appropriately recognises the academic and professional requirements associated with the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) qualification.

He noted that qualified nurses undergo mandatory internship and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programmes and must also be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

"This approval is a significant step towards recognising the academic and professional demands of the nursing profession. It will strengthen our ability to attract and retain qualified nurses, improve staff motivation, address critical manpower gaps, and ultimately enhance healthcare delivery across our hospitals," Malik said.

The KW-HMB boss commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued investment in the health sector and commitment to the welfare and professional development of healthcare workers in the state.

According to him, the policy further demonstrates the administration's commitment to building a motivated and sustainable healthcare workforce while making Kwara State an attractive destination for skilled health professionals.

Malik said the enhanced entry grade would also support efforts to strengthen the nursing workforce and ensure that qualified professionals are appropriately recognised for their education, training and professional responsibilities.

He assured residents that the KW-HMB would continue to support policies aimed at improving staff welfare, strengthening the healthcare workforce and enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the state.