Abstract

This paper studies the development of nursing education in Africa and it is limited to three countries namely, South Africa, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Two cardinal periods are covered which are, colonial and post colonial. But Ethiopia is the only African country that has technically, never been colonised as it successfully repulsed Italy’s attempt at occupying it.

The reason for this study is to assist modern states in Africa to learn from the past in order to make good decisions for the present as they build a future that will make nursing education a key and crucial partner in the management of health services, including attainment of some of the millennium development goals. Recommendations for the future of nursing education are made as well as important conclusions and findings.

Key words: Africa, cadres, colonial, nursing education, professional progression.