The Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, has charged newly inducted nurses of the institution to be worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and uphold the ethics of the nursing profession.
Professor Okeudo, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Dick Uduma, gave the charge at the 11th induction and swearing-in ceremony of graduating nurses held at the university auditorium. He assured that the graduates had been thoroughly trained to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery globally.
The Vice Chancellor also commended Governor Alex Otti for the ongoing construction of a 10,000-capacity hostel and prompt payment of staff salaries. He further appreciated parents and guardians for their sacrifices in supporting the graduates.
Registrar and Secretary-General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs. Stella Godswill, urged the inductees to practice with integrity and compassion, stressing that the council would continue to closely monitor the profession.
Other speakers, including the Provost of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Chuks Kamalu (represented by Dr. Ebere Mbanaso), Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Chris Timothy (represented by Dr. Udo Ubani), and Head of Nursing Science Department, Dr. Peace Okoroafor, reminded the new nurses of their roles as future leaders in healthcare and called for an increase in the department’s admission quota.
Best graduating student, Miss Chidera Okochi, in her valedictory speech, thanked God, the university, and her parents for their support, pledging to remain a true ambassador of ABSU and the profession.
Highlights of the event included administration of the induction oath, issuance of licences, unveiling of the Nursing Magazine, award presentations, cutting of the induction cake, and a lecture by Dr. Chidimma Israel titled “Nursing: Power to Change the World.”
Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Alhassan, also commissioned the newly established Entrepreneurship Clinic of the Faculty of Nursing Science. Represented by Mrs. Godswill, he lauded ABSU for equipping nurses with additional skills, while urging them to ensure such skills complement, and not replace, their professional duties.
Head of Nursing Science, Dr. Okoroafor, explained that the clinic was set up to empower nurses with vocational skills including tailoring, shoemaking, cake and perfume production.
The event was attended by top government officials, the ABSU management, and other stakeholders.
