The Nigerian Nurse Anthem is more than just a song; it’s a powerful declaration of identity for every nurse in Nigeria. I will say it is more than just a tune—it’s the heartbeat of nurses across Naija, uniting them in pride and purpose. Whether you’re a veteran nurse or a student dreaming of your first stethoscope, the anthem and its adaptations serve as a beacon of inspiration and motivation to uphold the integrity and image of the nursing profession while driving innovative changes in healthcare in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Nurse Anthem Lyrics and Meaning
We are called to serve humanity,
Endowed with the act and sense of caring.
We are built on integrity and discipline,
That transcends through every generation.
Immaculate and amicable,
We are the source of hope to ailing ones,
And the foundation for building a healthy world.
Chorus:
Nurses are great,
Nurses are caring,
An epitome of humility in service.
We are specially ordained for this vocation.
YES, I’M PROUD TO BE A NURSE!!!
From near and far, we have gathered with one goal,
To uphold the good name of our profession.
N – For Neatness and Splendour
U – For Understanding
R – For Responsiveness
S – For Selfless Service
I – For Innovative and Initiative
N – For Nobility
G – For Gentleness and Love
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About the Writer
Janiebliss Nightingale, whose real name is Nurse Jane Uzoma Ogugua, is the creative Nigerian nurse, singer, and songwriter who composed the Nigerian Nursing Anthem in 2009. She unveiled the official music video for the anthem in 2024, bringing widespread attention to this inspiring composition that captures the essence of the nursing profession in Nigeria
You can connect with Janiebliss Nightingale on social media platforms such as Instagram (@official_janiebliss), Facebook (Janiebliss Nightingale), YouTube (Janiebliss Nightingale), and Twitter (@Janie_bliss) to follow her ongoing contributions to nursing and music
Institutional and Student Association Adaptations
The Nigerian University Nursing Students Association (NUNSA) adopted the anthem during their 2011 national convention, promoting it as a unifying symbol across campuses nationwide. Some chapters have introduced call-and-response formats and local dialect inflections to engage students more actively.
3 Adaptations and Cultural Versions of the Anthem
EBSCONMU (Ebonyi State College of Nursing and Midwifery) version modifies some phrases to align with regional preferences:
We are called to serve humanity
Endowed with art, science of caring
We are built on integrity and discipline
That transcends through every generation
Immaculate and amicable
We are the source of hope to ailing ones
And the foundation for the building a healthy worldChorus:
Nurses are great
Nurses are caring
And epitome of humanity in service
We are specially ordained for this profession
Yes, I’m proud to be a nurse 11.
Key differences in adaptations:
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“Art and science of caring” replaces “Act and SENSE of CARING”
-
“Humanity in service” substitutes “Humility to service” in the chorus
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Minor phrasing adjustments (e.g., “transcends” vs. “transient”) to reflect regional linguistic preferences
While the original anthem is in English, many nursing schools and hospitals across Nigeria have embraced localized versions to connect deeply with their communities:
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Pidgin English Adaptation:
“No vex, sister, we dey serve humanity,
With heart and sense, na so we dey carry am.”
This version helps nurses in Lagos and other urban centers manage shift wahala with a familiar tongue. -
Yoruba Version (used in Southwest nursing schools):
“A pe wa lati sin eniyan,
Pẹlu ifẹ ati itọju.”
This adaptation fosters cultural pride and patient rapport in Yoruba-speaking communities, i.e. in places like University of Ibadan and Lagos teaching hospitals. -
Hausa Version (popular in Northern Nigeria):
“An kira mu mu yi hidima ga jama’a,
Da zuciya da kulawa.”
It is popular in Kano and Kaduna nursing schools, this version supports nurses working in predominantly Hausa-speaking communities
Final Thoughts: A Tribal Proverb to Inspire Every Nurse
As the Igbo say, “An Igbo nurse sharpens her stethoscope daily,” so must every Nigerian nurse renew their commitment to care, compassion, and excellence-just like the anthem teaches us.
See wahala here! Managing nursing duties in Nigeria is like IV drips flowing through Lagos traffic-unpredictable but requiring steady hands and a calm heart.
For more tips on nursing career growth and licensure, visit NurseHub.ng’s Nigerian NCLEX Guide and explore official updates at NMCN.gov.ng.