A total of 68 graduates from the Department of Nursing Sciences at Edo State University, Uzairue, have officially joined the ranks of professional nurses following their induction into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
This prestigious ceremony marks their transition from students to certified practitioners capable of serving in healthcare facilities across the country.
The Registrar of the NMCN, Ndagi Al-Hassan, represented by Dr. Dorothy Oneh, the Council’s Deputy Director, presided over the event.
In his address, Al-Hassan applauded the graduates for reaching this significant milestone, affirming that they are now fully certified to practice as nurses.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the profession’s ethical standards, reminding the inductees of their duty to uphold the guidelines that govern nursing practice in Nigeria.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Edo State University, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the event as the induction of the 2023/2024 cohort of Bachelor of Nursing graduates.
This ceremony marked the fourth batch of induction and oath-taking for the institution’s nursing graduates.
Prof. Egbefo took the opportunity to remind the new nurses of the gravity of their responsibilities, underlining the expectations placed on them as they embark on their careers in healthcare.
“I want to remind our graduating class of the profound responsibilities that come with being a nurse,” Prof. Egbefo stated. “This noble profession demands not only deep compassion but also a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and professionalism. As future leaders in healthcare, you bear the crucial responsibility of caring for the vulnerable and the ailing, a role that requires unwavering dedication,” he concluded.
Egbefo also expressed gratitude to the state government for converting the Central Hospital in Auchi into the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, noting that this transformation has enhanced the training of medical students and significantly improved healthcare delivery in Edo North and surrounding regions.
However, he called on the government to further equip the hospital with necessary facilities to ensure it continues to provide top-tier healthcare services.
Adding her voice to the celebration, Dr. Beatrice Obende, the lecturer in charge of the Department of Nursing, highlighted the uniqueness of the nursing profession. She emphasized that nursing goes beyond clinical care to make a lasting impact on patients’ well-being and rights.
“As you embark on your nursing journey, remember that your profession is not just a career, but a calling to make a difference in lives. Sacrifices have to be made to care for those in need of your service. So, I rejoice with you for attaining this enviable height in both educational and professional career,” she remarked.
The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Science, Dr. Omoruyi Pius Omosigho, also addressed the inductees, commending their achievements and urging them to represent the university and their profession with pride.
He expressed confidence in their ability to uphold the standards of excellence instilled in them by the faculty as they begin their internships, which will further refine their skills and character.
With their induction, these graduates are now poised to take their places within the healthcare community, ready to make meaningful contributions to patient care across Nigeria.
The ceremony not only celebrated their academic success but also marked the beginning of their professional journey, filled with challenges and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
