By Uzo Ugwunze
Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has tasked Student Nurses and Midwives to be steadfast, dedicated and committed to Christian values.
The charge was given during the 45th Matriculation/ Capping ceremony of 2024/2025 Set Student Nurses and Midwives, College of Nursing Sciences Iyienu, Anambra State.
According to the Bishop who spoke through a representative, Ven. Samuel Ezewudo, Subdean, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, as the motto of the Diocese on the Niger says :’Show the Light ‘ I charge you students Nurses and Midwives to show the light in your academics, morals and reflect the light of God in your environment and the world at large. Many have gone through this college and have become a beacon of light.
“Be Steadfast, dedicated to your studies and be committed to Christian values because this college is also a Christian community. I charge you to be resilient because the times are hard. Our country is in need of people of good character. I enjoin you students to imbibe good qualities so that when you leave here you will be better representatives for not just the school but the Diocese on the Niger and the body of Christ at large,” he said.
In her welcome address, The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences Iyienu,
Mrs Ngozi J. Nduka implored the newly admitted students to take their relationship with God very serious.
“University on the Niger Teaching Hospital Iyienu is a faith -based institution and we are interested in building up your spirit man. To this end, Chapel attendance is compulsory. You are expected to participate in every spiritual activity organized by the chaplaincy: all of these will culminate in making you a total man or woman.
“The College has zero tolerance for sexual immorality, drug use and abuse, examination malpractice and other social vices,”she said.
Mrs Nduka revealed the needs of the College of Nursing Sciences Iyienu to include: (i) a brand new Coaster bus for excursions and inter-colleges/campuses studies, (ii) to stack the College’s Library with modern medical books.
Presenting her speech themed ‘Nursing Education Reform in Nigeria: The Place of ND Nursing’, the Guest of Honor, Dr. Florence Sibeudu said that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has led in the transformation of Nursing profession in Nigeria into academic progression and global recognition, ensuring that nursing education aligns with modern standards and global best practices.
“Globally, Nursing education has evolved into university and polytechnic systems, preparing nurses to be not only caregivers, but also innovators, researchers and policy advocates, offering National Diploma(ND) in Nursing, Higher National Diploma (HND) Nursing, Bachelor of Science Nursing (B. NSc, Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing (PGDN), M.Sc. and Ph.D. Nursing. You will be enrolled by the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) after your HND or B.Sc nursing science.
“As new students, you have chosen a profession that embodies empathy, dedication and honesty. It is a journey into a profession that is both a calling, a commitment to service, compassion and humility,” said Dr. Sibeudu.
Moreso, the Director of Administration University on the Niger Teaching Hospital Iyienu, Rev Nonso Stanley Anene stated: “Iyienu is a name synonymous with excellence. Iyienu was the first school of Nursing and Midwifery in Nigeria graduating their first set in 1931, producing Miss Kemmer Fatepigi (now Mrs Koripamo) as the first Midwife from Nigeria.
“All over the world when you mention Iyienu hospital they know what it means. We are glad that God gave us such opportunities to produce professionals in the health care system who are doing well all over the world. With over 200 new intakes which will later go into practice in the Nigerian health sector that is becoming starved of work force due to ‘Japa’ or brain drain syndrome, we are playing a great role.
The students should remember where they are. In Iyienu we don’t just train nurses, we train disciplined nurses .As a mission hospital and school we instil discipline. The students should remember the Iyienu Excellent brand and they should endeavor not to disappoint us,” said Rev Anene.
One of the Matriculants, Victory Chisom Ikenna was so elated to be admitted to the prestigious faith -based institution known for excellence and for producing astute Nurses and Midwives thanking God that it was a dream come true. Chisom Ikenna pledged that she would do her best to make her parents Dr. Henry Obidimma and Sis Uche Henry proud by graduating in flying colors saying that she was passionate about using her nursing profession to serve God and humanity.
Sis Uche Henry said that the major reason behind their choice of Iyienu College of Nursing Sciences for their daughter included the quality of learning and the fear of God practiced in the school.
Another ND 1 student, Ugwuoke Felicia Onyinye prayed God to continue to bless their parents and Guardians who go through a lot to sponsor them in their chosen career despite the harsh economic realities in the country saying that she would obey all the rules and regulations stipulated by the school.
Highlights of the Matriculation include, matriculation vow/oath taking, capping proper, cutting of cake, arrival of Florence Nightingale, Presentation of gifts to best students and cultural dance.
