WHO WE ARE

College of Nursing Sciences, National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu

Our Story

The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu (NOHE), traces its origins to 1974 when it was established as the Haile Selassie Institute of Ophthalmic, Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery by the then Administrator of the East Central State, Chief Ukpabi Asika. The institution was initially located opposite Abakpa Junction in Enugu and was created to provide specialized healthcare services and medical training within the region.

Following the restructuring of the institution by the Federal Military Government under General Olusegun Obasanjo, the facility was renamed the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, while the Ophthalmic Unit was subsequently transferred to Kaduna. Over the decades, the Hospital has grown into one of Nigeria's foremost centres for orthopaedic, burns and plastic surgery care, earning recognition for excellence in patient management, specialist services and professional training.

As part of its commitment to healthcare education and capacity development, the Hospital has consistently served as a training centre for nursing professionals. It has successfully conducted Post-Basic Nursing Programmes in Orthopaedic Nursing and Burns & Plastic Nursing, as well as orientation programmes for Basic Nursing Schools across the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

The vision to establish the College of Nursing Sciences, National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu (CONSNOHE) was conceived by the Medical Director, Prof. Emmanuel C. Iyidiobi, in collaboration with members of the Hospital Management Board. Recognizing the growing global demand for qualified nursing professionals and the critical need to strengthen healthcare manpower within Nigeria, they initiated plans to create a modern institution dedicated to nursing education and professional development.

This vision became particularly important in response to the increasing migration of healthcare professionals in search of opportunities abroad, a trend that has significantly impacted healthcare institutions across the country. The establishment of the College was therefore designed not only to train competent nurses but also to contribute meaningfully to addressing workforce shortages within the healthcare sector.

The journey towards establishing the College commenced in 2022, with significant investments made in infrastructure, learning resources, equipment, academic planning and human capital development. Through dedication, strategic planning and institutional support, remarkable progress has been achieved in a relatively short period.

Today, the College of Nursing Sciences stands as a symbol of innovation, growth and commitment to excellence in nursing education. With continued support from stakeholders and regulatory bodies, particularly the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the College is poised to become a leading centre for nursing education, research and professional practice in Nigeria and beyond.

The College is currently led by Dr. Mrs. Ugwu, whose leadership continues to guide the institution in laying a solid foundation for academic excellence, professional integrity and sustainable growth.