In Focus: Kofoworola Abeni Pratt

The second exhibition of our ‘In Focus’ series ran from 7th January – 6th July 2025.  

In Focus: Kofoworola Abeni Pratt gave an in depth look at the life of this remarkable woman.

Kofoworola Abeni Pratt became the first black nurse to enter the Nightingale Training School, and only a couple of years later was one of a small group of black nurses who became part of the National Health Service, on its foundation in 1948.

In the face of racism and colonialism, Pratt returned to her home country of Nigeria following a short career in the UK, to go on and completely transform nursing in Nigeria. Rising from a Medical Ward Sister to Matron in ten years, meant she became the first Nigerian to become a matron in the country. Her rise continued as she served as the Chief Nursing Officer and served on a regional government as Commissioner for Health.

Despite being little known in the UK, we are shining a light on someone who’s legacy continues through to today. Given the title by her biographer, the African Florence Nightingale, Pratt legacy is being upheld by Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust today by naming a Fellowship after her.

See the exhibition here!
A small room that has seven yellow panels hanging on the wall. This is the exhibition on Kofoworola Abeni Pratt. Each panel has text and images. At the end of the room is a display case that contains objects.
black and white photograph of a lady dating from 1947, in a nursing uniform and white cap .
colour photograph of a lady, smiling and looking off the the right. She is wearing a black cap and robe.
black and white photograph of two women standing next to each other, both wearing a nurses uniform. Miss Morrison, a middle aged white woman, stands on the left. Kofoworola Pratt, a younger black woman stands on the right.
photograph of the front cover of a book. At the top of the book the title is written and underneath is a photograph of Kofoworola Pratt. The back ground is a bright yellow.

To read Kofoworola Abeni Pratt’s biography, An African Florence Nightingale: a biography of Kofoworola Pratt, by Dr Justus A. Akinsanya for free – please click on the image of the book.