The College of Nursing Sciences Ogoja yesterday held its maiden matriculation ceremony for its first batch of students since transitioning to a collegiate system.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for the institution, which was on the verge of being scrapped or merged due to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s policy requiring all schools of nursing and midwifery to go collegiate. Key stakeholders, including the Provost, council members, past and present political leaders, professional bodies, students, among others gathered to express their gratitude to God and the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Apostle Sen Dr Prince Bassey Otu, for his intervention. The Governor’s support rescued the college from potential closure and demonstrated his commitment to educational development in the region.
The Provost of the College of Nursing, Ogoja, Dr. (Mrs) Ohora Enyieko Osim, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Governor, describing him as the “Sweet Prince” who came to their rescue. She highlighted the Governor’s release of funds for necessary infrastructure projects, some of which will be commissioned by the Hon Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ajuk.
These projects include:Completion of the gate house,Completion of the National Diploma 2 classroom, Renovation and expansion of the Provost’s office, Renovation and expansion of the ICT, Staff Common room, Microbiology, Physics, and Chemistry laboratories The Hon Commissioner for Health, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Nursing Education, Mrs Uduak Spencer Efem, declared the occasion open and lauded the efforts of the State Government in nursing education development. He assured the college of improved infrastructure and called for unity among staff and students for effective utilization of the projects.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing Affairs, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, congratulated the new students and management staff on the maiden matriculation. He emphasized the importance of nursing education, clinical nursing practice, and the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare.
Mr. Esu highlighted the evolving nature of the nursing profession, urging students to seize opportunities, cultivate excellence, and strive for success. Mr Coco-Bassey also noted that “With the Governor’s presence at the ceremony with his representatives signifies the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare education and clinical nursing in the state”.
The Governor has emphasized the importance of investing in nursing education and practice, with a focus on retaining talented individuals in the state’s healthcare system”. The matriculation lecture was delivered by Evang Dr (Mrs) Effioanwan Amanso Orji, on the Role Humanistic Nursing in this century of Artificial Intelligence/Robotics who imparted valuable insights and inspiration to the new students as they embarked on their academic journey.
Various Leaders and stakeholders including HRH Ntol Ama Mgbeje, The Ntol Atol of Ishiborr Kingdom, praised the Governor’s proactive efforts in supporting the college, Hon Thomas Aruku, Member Representing Ogoja State Constituency, and Hon Cyril James Omini, Member Representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency, lauded the Governor’s commitment to educational development among others. Professional leaders including Prof Margaret Opiah (FWACN), Chairman of Chairmen, CRS Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Dr Teresa Osaji, Chairman, College of Nursing Science Obudu, and Mrs Josephine Bassey, Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, CRS Council, expressed their confidence in the college’s potential to achieve further accreditations with Government support.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to the Governor as the Grand Patron of the college, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. (Mrs) EyoAnwan Bassey Otu as the mother of the day, and His Excellency, Rt Hon Peter Odey, the Deputy Governor for his support among other pillars of the institution.
The College of Nursing Ogoja matriculation ceremony is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to excellence. With the Governor’s continued support, the college is poised to produce highly skilled nursing professionals who will make a positive impact in the healthcare sector.
