A high-powered delegation from the Cross River State Colleges of Nursing Sciences, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, recently paid a courtesy visit to the State’s Head of Service, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon. The visit aimed to congratulate the newly appointed Head of Service and strengthen relationships between the colleges and the state civil service.
During the visit, the Head of Service reiterated the state government’s commitment to rebranding the civil service, assuring the colleges of a cordial working relationship. He emphasized the need for relevant authorities to strengthen laws governing the colleges, enforce discipline and professional standards, and unnecessary staff conversions and transfer among other civil service reforms.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, congratulated the Head of Service on his new appointment, attributing it to the will of God and his dedication to service. He expressed optimism that synergy between the colleges and the Head of Service would strengthen nursing education, practice, and training, ultimately delivering on the collegiate mandate of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The Chairman of Chairmen of all the colleges of nursing in the state, Prof. Margaret Opia, highlighted the achievements of the colleges under the leadership of His Excellency, citing the College of Nursing Itigidi’s achievement of HND status as a model for other colleges in the state and Nigeria. She sought the Head of Service’s support in strengthening nursing education and practice in the state.
The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi, Deaconess Mrs. Ruth Ita Ebong, speaking on behalf of the Provosts, highlighted the state government’s efforts in transitioning the schools of nursing to collegiate systems, with a view to establishing them as department in the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). She noted that this would be in line with the NBTE educational policy, which requires colleges to mobilize students for NYSC for at least three batches before transiting to university, in line with Nursing and Midwifery Council educational policy.
The visit underscored the commitment to work together in strengthening the civil service and nursing education in the state. The Head of Service assured the colleges that issues affecting lecturers would be addressed and cautioned against the selection of contract staff who may not be capable of delivering due to age or health conditions.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Teresa Osaji, Chairman, College of Nursing, Ogoja; Dr. Christy Essien Ekpe, Chairman, College of Nursing, Calabar, represented by the Registrar, Mrs. Bassey Etim; Chairman,College of nursing sciences, Obudu; Mrs. Mary Esuku, Provost, College of Nursing, Calabar; Mrs. Joy Nelson; Permanent Secretary, Head of Service; Mrs. Glory Odu-Oji, Permanent Secretary, Care Management Office; and Barr. Lucy Enakirerini, among others.
*NursingCrs*
