Governor Bassey Otu has overseen the maiden matriculation of 402 students into College of Nursing Sciences Calabar, for the 2023/2024 academic session.
The matriculation and capping ceremony which held on Thursday, 10th October, at the College premises at Moore Road, Calabar, had stakeholders across board witness the admission of the matriculating students by the Provost, Mrs Joy Obeten.
Addressing the matriculating students, Governor Otu urged the students to be committed as well as hold fast to the goodwill messages and lectures to become the best.
Otu, who was represented by Dr Henry Ayuk, Commissioner for Health, promised to equip the college with infrastructure and manpower before 2027.
“There is no opportune time than this for young ones like you to take over. Hold fast to all the lectures and goodwill messages you’ve heard today, as you have the better opportunity to popularise the nursing profession in which you’re called.
“We’re happy to welcome you to the College. Please, work hard to make sure the efforts of your parents and that of the government are not in vain.
“By the time you’re close to 2027, this environment will change. We’re not only talking about infrastructure, we’re talking about the capacity of teachers and the quality of education you’ll receive.
“Make us proud, and, we’ll want to see this school grow in reputation.”
On his part, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, Member Representing Calabar Municipality State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Occasion, urged the students to use the opportunity to learn so as to add to the health system of the state and the nation.
Nsemo, who was represented by Hon. Effiom Ekaha, Commissioner for Mineral Resources, said: “I want to thank the Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu for ensuring the full accreditation of all Colleges of Nursing Sciences across the state.
“I urge you [students] to seize this opportunity to excel. Remember, you have a critical role to play in uplifting our health system.
“On my part, I am committed to supporting the education system of our youths; so is the House.”
In her address, Mrs Joy Obeten, Provost of the Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar, thanked the State Governor for the premium he places on education, adding that, “This date was made possible by the kind intervention of our dear Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu and his dear Wife Her Excellency, Rev. (Mrs) Eyoanwan Edet Otu, whose love and commitment to the principle of “People’s First” has been unwavering.
“Under the exceptional leadership of His Excellency, the College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar has witnessed remarkable progress and growth since attaining provisional accreditation for the National Diploma Nursing and full Accreditation for other certificate programmes in Nursing and Midwifery.”
To the new students, Mrs Obeten said, “You have earned your place in this prestigious institution through hard work, dedication and determination and be reminded that being part of the College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar, is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, it involves embracing values such as compassion, integrity and service to humanity. With the Nursing profession at the heart of the healthcare delivery system, the education you will receive here will prepare you to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals, families and the community.
“As you embark on this journey, I urge you to take full advantage of the opportunities that this institution provides and engage actively in lectures, practical sessions, clinical placements, research and outreach programmes, and do not fail to seek guidance from our dedicated faculty members who have wealth of experience in Nursing and education.”
The Provost further informed the stakeholders and public-spirited individuals that despite all the State Government has done, “The college is still facing some hiccups here and there like the need for more classroom blocks, expansion of the hostel building and ICT laboratory for use during Computer-Based Examination, construction of a 1000 sitting capacity auditorium, landscaping of the college compound, procurement of five 10-KVA solar inverters for use in the classrooms, ICT laboratory, demonstration rooms and administrative block, procurement and supply of two 32-seater buses to convey students during clinical posting, and awarding of scholarship to indigent students.”
In his goodwill message, Comrade Coco-Bassey Esu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, assured the new intake that his office will always be on the lookout to help the students excel in their academic pursuits.
“As you embark on this academic journey, I assure you that my office is committed to organising supporting your growth and success.
“Let me also assure you that His Excellency the People’s First Governor will continue to invest in quality education, facilities and clinical training opportunities to make it easier for you to receive the best possible preparation for your future profession.
“Remember, Nursing is not just a profession but a calling. You are about to embark on a journey that will challenge you, inspire you and ultimately reward you in ways you cannot yet imagine,” Esu said.
Goodwill messages were taken by His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, Obong of Calabar and the Natural Ruler of the Efik Kingdom who was ably represented by HRH Etubom Edem Ita Essien; Comr. Josephine Bassey, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) who was represented; and Dr Christie Ekpe, Chairman of the Governing Council.
Other goodwill messages were from Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health; Mrs Uduak Efem, Special Adviser to the Governor on Nursing Education, whose messages laid emphasis on the matriculation lecture delivered by Dr (Mrs) Irene Efio-Anwan Nkere on “Integrating Theory and Practice: Shaping Future Healthcare Leaders.
CONVERSEER reports that the College is one of the four Colleges that were accredited by both the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to run National Diploma (ND) in Nursing and other Certificate programmes in Nursing and Midwifery in August 2023.