OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – The College of Nursing Sciences Ogoja, weekend, celebrated a landmark achievement as it held its maiden matriculation ceremony for its pioneer set of students following its successful transition to a collegiate system.
The event marked a major turning point for the institution, which had faced the risk of being scrapped or merged in line with new regulations from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) mandating all nursing schools to go collegiate.
The colourful ceremony drew key stakeholders, including the college’s Provost, members of the governing council, professional nursing bodies, traditional leaders, students, and both past and present political leaders.
The collective sentiment was one of gratitude, particularly to God and to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, whose decisive intervention saved the college from imminent closure.
In her remarks, Dr (Mrs) Ohora Enyieko Osim, Provost of the College, hailed the Governor as the “Sweet Prince” who came to the rescue at a critical time. She commended his release of vital funds that facilitated the completion and renovation of key infrastructure projects.
These projects, some of which are set to be commissioned by the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ajuk, include the gatehouse, the National Diploma 2 classroom, the expanded Provost’s office, and upgraded ICT and science laboratories.
The matriculation ceremony was officially opened by Mrs Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser to the Governor on Nursing Education, who represented the Commissioner for Health. She praised the administration’s proactive role in strengthening nursing education and pledged further government investment in infrastructure and academic excellence.
In a goodwill message, Mr Coco-Bassey Esu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing Affairs, extended congratulations to the matriculating students and college leadership. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to developing clinical nursing practice and health education across the state.
“With the Governor’s representatives present at this ceremony, it is clear that the Cross River State Government is fully invested in the future of nursing education,” Esu noted.
He added, “This administration is prioritising not just infrastructure, but also the retention and growth of talent in our healthcare system.”
The matriculation lecture, titled “The Role of Humanistic Nursing in this Century of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”, was delivered by Evang. Dr (Mrs) Effioanwan Amanso Orji. Her address encouraged students to embrace compassion-driven care while adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape in healthcare.
Traditional and political leaders in attendance, including HRH Ntol Ama Mgbeje of the Ishiborr Kingdom, Hon. Thomas Aruku (Ogoja State Constituency), and Hon. Cyril James Omini (Yakurr I Constituency), commended Governor Otu for his foresight and educational reforms.
Professional nursing leaders such as Prof. Margaret Opiah (FWACN), Dr Teresa Osaji of the College of Nursing Science, Obudu, and Mrs Josephine Bassey of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) also expressed confidence in the institution’s potential to attain further accreditations and national recognition.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to Governor Otu as Grand Patron of the College, to Her Excellency Bishop Dr (Mrs) Eyoanwan Otu as Mother of the Day, and to Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, for their pivotal role in supporting the institution.
The successful matriculation underscores the value of strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and dedication to educational excellence. With continued government backing, the College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja, is poised to become a hub for training world-class nursing professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare in Nigeria.
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