Kofoworola Abeni Pratt (1915-1992) First black nurse in NHS

Chief Kofoworola Abeni Pratt Hon. FRCN was a Nigerian born nurse and was the first black nurse to work in Britain’s National health Service. She went on to become vice-president of the International Council of Nurses and the first black Chief Nursing Officer of Nigeria, working in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Kofoworola was educated at Lagos CMS Girls’ Grammar school. She wanted to become a nurse but her father discouraged her so she trained as a teacher. For 4 years she taught at CMS girls’ school.

She married Nigerian pharmacist Dr. Olu Prat and they came to the UK in 1946. She studied nursing at the Nightingale School at St. Thomas’ Hospital. She passed her preliminary exams in 1948, her finals in 1949 and qualified as a State registered nurse in 1950. She was the first black nurse to work for the NHS.

After 4 years she returned to Nigeria. She applied for the post of ward sister but at the time only British expatriates allowed to hold role. 1955-7- admin .sister.
1955-63 deputy matron

In 1960 Nigeria became independent. Kofoworola 's star began to shine!

She led in the Nigerianisation of nursing in her country.
She was appointed Matron of the University Hospital in Ibadan 1964/5 - the first Nigerian to do so.
1965-72 chief nursing officer (federal)
1965 she was founder of a nursing school at the University of Ibadan
leader of the Professional Association of Trained Nurses in Nigeria
co-edited the journal Nigerian Nurse.
1971 she became President of National Council of Women’s Societies in Nigeria.

1973-5 commissioner for Health, Lagos State
1973 she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
1975 she was awarded the chieftaincy title * Iya Ile Agbo of Isheri * f or services to the nation.

1979 Kofoworola was made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Nursing.
1981 awarded an honorary degree from the University of Ife.

Twice in her life time we are aware she was discriminated against because of her colour. The first time was when she worked at St, Thomas’. The second , although fully qualified, in Ibadan from becoming a matron earlier in her career.

Kofoworola died on 18th June 1992

Kofoworola has not yet been honoured in Britain in association with Florence Nightingale. She is linked to Nightingale for inspiration, the Nightingale School where she trained , and the Nightingale Fund which gave her a scholarship. Nor must it be forgotten Kofoworola was the first black nurse to work for the NHS.

Sources used
Florence Nightingale Museum London
Mary Seacole Information
The Nightingale Society
wikipedia