BY NELILE NXUMALO
MBABANE– The Head of the Nursing Department at the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), Tholakele Shongwe, has called for improved learning facilities, particularly the expansion of the institution’s nursing laboratory, to strengthen practical training for students.
Shongwe made the remarks during a visit by members of the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Education and officials from the Ministry of Education and Training, who toured the university to assess the state of its learning facilities.
She explained that the current laboratory space was too small to effectively accommodate the growing number of nursing students who require hands-on training as part of their studies. According to Shongwe, practical training is a critical component of nursing education and requires adequate space, equipment and resources.
“The laboratory is where students practise the procedures they will perform in real healthcare settings. If the space is limited, it becomes difficult to give every student sufficient practical exposure,” she said.
Shongwe added that expanding the laboratory would improve the quality of practical lessons and ensure that students graduate with the necessary skills required in the medical profession.
The visit was led by the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who was accompanied by government officials and members of the parliamentary committee. The delegation inspected the university’s facilities and engaged with staff on the challenges affecting teaching and learning.
During the tour, officials observed the equipment and resources currently available to nursing students and acknowledged the importance of adequate training facilities in medical education.
Shongwe noted that improving the laboratory infrastructure would allow lecturers to conduct practical demonstrations more effectively while giving students enough space to practise essential nursing procedures.
She further emphasised that strengthening practical training facilities would contribute to producing competent nurses who are well prepared to serve in the country’s healthcare sector.
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(Courtesy Pic)
