the 1st black nurse in the NHS

After a few years of dedicated service to the NHS, Kofoworola returned to Nigeria. After rejection based on her heritage, she persisted to become the first black Matron of University College Hospital, Ibadan. In 1965, she established a nursing school that was instrumental to modern nursing practices in Nigeria. She founded the Professional Association of Trained Nurses in Nigeria and co-founded and edited a nursing journal.

A hardworking and determined woman, Kofoworola went on to become Chief Nursing Officer for Nigeria. She was the first black woman to be vice-president of the International Council of Nurses. She was appointed Commissioner of Health for Lagos and President of Nigeria’s National Council of Women’s Societies. She achieved reforms for doctors, nurses, and public health care.Her outstanding work has been recognised with a chieftaincy title for services to Nigeria and as an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, UK. In 1973, she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal. Overcoming challenges and prejudice in both the UK and Nigeria, she championed women and was a great nurse and leader.

Annie Peppiatt, a freelance editor who has a special interest in promoting underrepresented voices