A total of 102 out of the 347 applicants who were offered admission to Bolgatanga Nursing Training College (Bolga NTC) for the 2025/2026 academic year declined the opportunity, citing the institution’s deteriorating infrastructure and limited academic programme options.
The Principal of the College, Winifred Porsaa Wondong, revealed that six students who initially enrolled have already withdrawn from the programme. She expressed concern that the number of students is likely to decrease further before the current cohort reaches its final year.
Despite being one of the oldest nursing training institutions in the Upper East Region, established in the late 1960s and renowned for producing numerous professional nurses, health academics, and nursing college principals across Ghana, Bolga NTC continues to face significant infrastructural and academic challenges.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony for 272 newly admitted students, Madam Wondong highlighted several pressing issues affecting the institution. These include limited programme offerings, inadequate student accommodation leading to overcrowding, a dilapidated auditorium that poses safety risks, insufficient lecture halls, unresolved land disputes, the absence of a perimeter fence, and a shortage of reliable vehicles due to aging fleets and high maintenance costs.
She appealed to alumni of the college, particularly through Professor Vida Yakong, to support efforts aimed at improving the institution’s facilities and restoring its status as a leading health training institution in the region.
The Principal also called on the Upper East Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive, and the Member of Parliament to lobby the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for support. She requested the construction of a two-storey lecture block, separate male and female hostel facilities, and a modern administration block equipped with a library and computer laboratory.
Addressing the gathering, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, assured the college that steps were already being taken to address several of its challenges, particularly the longstanding land dispute involving the institution and the Zaare community. He further indicated that the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly would be encouraged to allocate part of its legacy project funds toward improving the college’s infrastructure.
College authorities also expressed concern about increasing social challenges among students. According to the Principal, some students engage in activities such as internet fraud and excessive betting in attempts to maintain lifestyles beyond their financial means, often at the expense of their education.
Despite concerns about the generally poor performance of candidates nationwide in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) online licensing examination conducted between November and December 2025, Bolga NTC recorded impressive results. Out of 227 candidates presented for the examination, 181 passed, representing a pass rate of 79.7%. Additionally, all 227 candidates successfully passed the KNUST terminal examination, with 25 students graduating with distinction.
Source:3news.com
