The Cross River State College of Nursing Science, Calabar, recently hosted its 2nd Matriculation and Capping Ceremony for ND/HND students, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of its students. The ceremony, attended by numerous dignitaries, welcomed 240 students from the 2024/25 academic session, 256 students from the 2025/26 academic session, 100 Basic Nursing students from the 2024 set, and 100 Basic Midwifery students from the 2025 set.
In his speech, the Visitor to the college, His Excellency, Apostle Sen Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Hon Commissioner for Health, Eld Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, commended the school for its remarkable progress. He assured the students and management staff of a conducive environment for learning and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nursing education in Cross River State. The Commissioner highlighted the government’s plans to provide infrastructural development and affiliate the College of Nursing to the university system, enabling HND certificate holders to upgrade to BSc certificates.
The Provost of the College of Nursing, Calabar, Mrs. Joy Nelson, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support and commitment to the development of the college. She cited several achievements, including the provision of a 32-seater bus, the construction and commissioning of the state-of-the-art Bishop Eyo Anwan Bassey Otu Entrepreneurial Development Center, and the establishment of a fully equipped public health department. The college has also benefited from two accreditations funded by the Cross River State Government.
The Chairman of the Matriculation ceremony, Hon. Prince Effiom Bassey Effiong, represented by the Secretary of the council, charged the students to reflect on the values of their profession and the ideals of the college as they journey through the citadel of learning.
Special advisers and dignitaries, including Rt Hon Ekpo Ekpo, Mrs Uduak Efem, Comrd Coco-Bassey Esu, and Dr Christy Ekpe, congratulated the nursing students on their matriculation and thanked the Governor for his support to nursing education. They urged the students to uphold nursing ethics, be respectful and caring towards patients, strive for excellence, and exhibit a positive attitude towards studies.
The Governor’s commitment to nursing education was reiterated, and the speakers wished the students success in their academic pursuits. Goodwill messages were received from notable dignitaries, including the Head of Service, Barr Orok Okon; Accountant General of the state, Dr Mrs Glory Effiong; Chairman, Governing Council, College of Nursing, Obudu, Mrs Mary Esuku; Provost, College of Nursing, Itigidi; Deaconess Ruth Ita Ebong; Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Roseline Obojor; National Financial Secretary , NANNM, Comrd Ojong Ogar; State NANNM chairman, Comrd Josephine Bassey; Zonal Coordinator, NMCN; and Zonal Coordinator, NBTE, among others.
Gallery for 2nd School of Nursing Calabar matriculation
