The Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, has advised graduating nurses of the institution to remain good ambassadors of their alma mater and uphold the ethics of the nursing profession.
Professor Okeudo, who declared open the 11th Induction and Swearing-in Ceremony of graduating nurses at the university auditorium, said the inductees had been well trained to contribute meaningfully to global healthcare delivery. He was represented at the event by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Dick Uduma, who thanked Governor Alex Otti, the visitor to the university, for projects such as the ongoing construction of a 10,000-capacity hostel and the prompt payment of staff salaries. He also commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices in supporting the graduands.
The Registrar and Secretary-General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs. Stella Godswill, urged the new nurses to practice with integrity and compassion, adding that the council would continue to closely monitor nursing practice in the country.
In goodwill messages, the Provost of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Chuks Kamalu (represented by Dr. Ebere Mbanaso), the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Chris Timothy (represented by Dr. Udo Ubani), and the Head of Department of Nursing Science, Dr. Peace Okoroafor, all reminded the graduates that they are the future of healthcare and must practice according to professional ethics. They also appealed for an increase in the admission quota for the department.
Delivering her valedictory speech, the best graduating student, Miss Chidera Okochi, expressed gratitude to God, the university, and her family for supporting her journey, pledging not to disappoint them in her career.
Highlights of the event included the induction oath, presentation of licences to the 242 new nurses, unveiling of the Nursing Magazine, cutting of the induction cake, awards to outstanding staff and partner institutions, and a lecture on “Nursing: Power to Change the World” delivered by Dr. Chidimma Israel.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, in his capacity as Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, officially commissioned the new Entrepreneurship Clinic of ABSU’s Faculty of Nursing Science. Represented by Mrs. Godswill, he commended the faculty for the initiative, which equips nurses with additional skills while advising them to prioritize their profession above other ventures.
Dr. Peace Okoroafor, Head of Department of Nursing Science, explained that the clinic was established to demonstrate nurses’ versatility, noting that they had been trained in complementary skills such as clothing, shoe, cake, and perfume production.
The commissioning was attended by the Vice Chancellor, represented by Mrs. Godswill, alongside other academics and dignitaries.
