Challenges Associated with Midwifery Practice and Education in Northern Nigeria:Way Forward

Abstract

Midwifery practice has continued to gain recognition as a result of its influence on the health of mothers and newborns. However, the practice of midwifery in Nigeria is associated with numerous challenges leading to negative health indicators in the region. This paper examined the challenges associated with midwifery practice and education in Northern Nigeria with a view of exploring the way forward. Relevant literatures of stakeholders ’ reports and studies conducted globally and locally were searched and reviewed. Findings from the reviewed literatures showed that midwifery workforce is short of the ideal number required globally and specifically in Northern Nigeria. This shortage of midwives could be linked to the poor performance of Nigeria in achieving MDGs and now SDGs leading to outrageous Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Northern Nigeria. Other highlighted challenges affecting midwifery practice and education in the region include; usurping of midwives’ roles/duties by doctors lack of comprehensive data on midwives, poor attitude of midwives, poor remuneration, negative patient’ s perception of midwives, feminization of midwifery profession and lack of resources and equipment. The paper therefore recommends that there should be continuous training of midwives as well as a need to review of the curriculum, code of ethics, scheme of service and entry qualification for midwives.