Dr. Dorcas Dugule: The Trailblazing Nurse-Educator Shaping the Future of Health Care in Taraba and Beyond

By Keke,October 27,2025.

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare and education, few names resonate with as much dedication, intellect, and compassion as Dr. Mrs. Dorcas Sirgawi Dugule, the newly appointed Acting Provost of the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo. A woman whose life story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose, Dr. Dugule’s journey from a humble beginning in Jen village to an international academic and health advocate stands as an inspiration to many within and beyond Nigeria.

Born on March 6, 1965, in the serene community of Jen, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, Dorcas began her educational pursuit at LEA Jen Primary School, before proceeding to Government Girls Secondary School, Yola, where she obtained her General Certificate of Education in 1983. Her early interest in human care and community well-being guided her into the nursing profession — a decision that would later define her remarkable career.

Over the years, Dr. Dugule has transformed from a young midwife serving in rural clinics to a respected academic, international researcher, and a voice for women’s health and youth empowerment. Her professional journey spans more than three decades of active service, covering clinical practice, nursing education, public health advocacy, and institutional leadership.

She began her professional career as a Staff Midwife at General Hospital, Jalingo, in 1992. Through sheer commitment, she rose steadily, becoming a Senior and later Principal Midwife Officer at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital. Her exceptional leadership qualities earned her an appointment at the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, where she has served in multiple roles including Chief Midwife Educator, Deputy Provost (Academic), and now Acting Provost.

Beyond Taraba, Dr. Dugule’s influence stretches across borders. She is a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, HTIB-Atlantis University, Lome, Togo, affiliated with the Ecole Superieure Robert De-Sorbon, Les-Nancy, France — where she also earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing between 2017 and 2020. Her academic pursuits also took her to Espam Formation University, Benin Republic, and the National Open University of Nigeria, solidifying her status as a scholar of exceptional depth and global relevance.

A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Dugule’s works have been featured in respected international journals, exploring issues such as maternal mortality, cervical cancer prevention, infertility, and health system management. Her research passion often reflects her advocacy interests — improving maternal and child health, empowering women, and promoting youth development through education.

In recognition of her contributions, she has received several awards and honours, including the Outstanding Leadership in Nursing Education Award by COREN (2024), the Community Champion Award by Women Health Network (2023), and the Prix De Leadership Exemplaire from HTIB-Atlantis University (2021). She is also a Distinguished Alumnus of the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, her alma mater.

Dr. Dugule’s commitment goes beyond the classroom and hospital walls. As a mentor and volunteer, she has devoted her time to community service — from girl-child education advocacy through the “Daughters of Jen” initiative, to women’s health campaigns and COVID-19 outreach programs. Her volunteer work with the Taraba State Ministry of Health’s Polio Eradication Project further underscores her lifelong devotion to public health and humanitarian service.

Her leadership style blends discipline with empathy, making her a respected figure among students, colleagues, and peers. Those who work closely with her describe her as “a woman of grace and grit” — one who combines professionalism with humility and a deep spiritual grounding that fuels her service to humanity.

Dr. Dorcas Dugule is a proud member of several professional bodies including the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), West African College of Nursing (WACN), Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health, and the African Public Health Research Network.

As she takes on the mantle of leadership as Acting Provost, her vision for the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery is clear: to raise a new generation of competent, compassionate, and community-oriented nurses who will drive innovation in healthcare delivery across Nigeria and Africa.

 Dr. Dugule continues to inspire — proof that leadership in healthcare is not merely about hierarchy, but about service, learning, and the courage to nurture others.

Her story is one of unwavering dedication to the noble art of caring — a story that reminds us that true greatness lies not in titles held, but in lives touched.

Profile Summary

Name: Dr. (Mrs.) Dorcas Sirgawi Dugule

Date of Birth: 6th March 1965

LGA/State: Karim Lamido, Taraba State

Current Position: Acting Provost, Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo

Academic Qualification: Ph.D. Nursing (France), MSc (Benin Republic), B.NSc (NOUN)

West African college of Nurses and midwives (in view).

Professional Affiliation: NANNM, WACN, NANDA-I International

Specialization: Maternal and Child Health, Women’s Empowerment, Community Health

Motto: “To serve, teach, and heal with purpose.”