By Frank Ulom
The University of Calabar, UNICAL under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, has made history by inducting 229 graduands of Nursing Sciences into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, N&MCN.
Speaking at the 10th UNICAL Induction/Oath Taking Ceremony of Nursing Science Graduands at the UNICAL International Conference Centre on Monday, 11 March 2024, Prof. Obi said this is the first time in the history of the department that 229 graduands are being inducted.
The VC also said it is the second time in the history of the Department of Nursing Sciences that they have a First Class graduand.
Obi who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, DVC Academic, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, said the 229 inductees cut across two sessions, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, adding that, “It is a feat that has not been accomplished before, to have the current year graduated.
“Today, I am proud of the Department of Nursing Sciences – no backlogs, and as you know, this administration doesn’t tolerate backlogs. Results are approved within 24 hours. This induction is certain that other departments will follow suit – that students worthy of graduation should not be held behind”, she said, while thanking the examination officers.
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Addressing the graduands, the VC said, “I want to implore you the graduands, you’ve been entrusted with life and you cannot joke with it. You’re called to serve the helpless but that doesn’t mean they’re voiceless.
“You’re here to take an oath on the ethics that you’re going to abide by, anytime you violate the oath, your licence will be taken away from you.”
She said Nursing has the highest request for admission this session, stressing that, “You’re among the few who have scaled through from the many who desired to study nursing. Nursing is very dear to my heart, go and make us proud and also remember your alma mata wherever you go.”
The VC thanked the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, for assuring the graduands jobs, noting that, “I know with the current administration, things will change. Nurses don’t beg for jobs, jobs beg for them,” pleading with the graduands that, “when you japa (seek greener pasture abroad), note that we’re still here waiting for you.”
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk said, “The most important challenge we have in Cross River State is the management of human resource. By August, most of the nurses will be retiring. The state is willing to employ.
“Please, nurses, don’t be scared of working anywhere, let’s copy the ethics that govern the profession. We have a new Governor, he is a sweet governor. We are aware that the condition of service is not very good, we’re working on that. When you graduate, be assured that Cross River State will employ anybody who comes in, whether doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, etc.
“Please don’t japa. We’re encouraged by what the nursing profession can offer. It is the pillar of our well-being. We currently have four Colleges of Nursing, come and work for us.”
On her part, the Cross River State Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, Comr. Josephine Bassey, while digesting the theme (Building Resilience in Nursing: Overcoming Challenges for a Fulfilling Career), said, “We align strongly with this feat which is a necessary step in your professional journey. Dear inductees, we congratulate you and urge you not to relent, as the task ahead is still laborious.”
The Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, UNICAL, Prof. Ngim Ngim, in his goodwill message, reminded the graduands that, “As you step out into the world, be guided by the principles and code of ethics of your profession as exemplified by Florence Nightingale. You’re a critical stakeholder in the health team who is expected to be closest to the patient to give care and succour, and comfort the vulnerable.
“I encourage you to work in harmony and cooperation with other members of the health team to ensure delivery of healthcare and research of the highest standard.”
Ngim added that “The university environment is open for anyone who wants to come back and work, so long as you’re qualified.”
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On her part, the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Prof. Regina Ejemot-Nwadiaro, continually reminded the graduands what the profession is all about, praying that, “God will make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
The Head of the Department of Nursing Sciences, Prof. Regina Ella, said they are pushing for the transformation of the department into the Faculty of Nursing Sciences.
Ella said, “This particular group of students have made us proud. This set is the set that has given us the highest 2.1s (second class upper). This set is the second set in the history of the Department of Nursing Sciences that has given us another First Class.”
Administering the oath to the graduands, the Secretary-General/Registrar of N&MCN, Alhaji (Dr) Faruk Umar, represented, said, “The essence of this induction and oath-taking is to transit from students to registered nurses”, adding, “This occasion is also used to remind you of the fundamentals of the profession.”
One of the graduands, Comr. Madu Ezra Onyedikachi graduated with First Class with a CGPA of 4.52 and was awarded the Best All-round Nurse.
Madu also received other numerous awards, including Best NUNSA President in Leadership award, Best Graduating Student Provost award, NANNM award for Best All-round Nurse.
Comr. Adie Mathias Adabor and Comr. Ita Blessing Otu received the Best in Clinicals award, Etukwu Theophilus Ojata received Best in Research award while Ushie Alpha Ushie received the HOD award.
Lecturers and staff awarded also include the Provost, Prof. Ngim, Dr Felicia Lukpata, Mr Maduka, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita for Ensuring Quality Result Production and Dr Ojong Idang for Timely Uploading of Results.
The occasion was attended by Her Excellency, Mrs Glory Efiok Cobham, wife of former Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham; University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH Chief Medical Director, CMD, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme; Director of Nursing Sciences, Cross River State, Mrs Rebecca Itong; Former Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH VC, Prof. Akon Joshua; and Mr Festus Ikechi Olumati, Manager of Nigeria Port Authority, NPA Calabar.
Others are Deputy Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, UNICAL, Prof. Margaret Agiang; Prof. Emon Duke who presented an Induction Lecture on the theme “Building Resilience in Nursing: Overcoming Challenges for a Fulfilling Career”; Venerable Rev. Fr. (Dr) Emmanuel Orok Duke, St. Paul’s Parish, UNICAL; Rev. Dr Joseph L. Ushie, Chapel of Redemption, UNICAL; and host of others.
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