UI inducts 55 nursing graduates as 13 bag First Class honours
No fewer than 13 students graduated with First Class honours out of 55 inductees from the Faculty of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, during their induction into the
No fewer than 13 students graduated with First Class honours out of 55 inductees from the Faculty of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, during their induction into the Nursing Profession on Wednesday.
The ceremony, held at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre of the College, was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and attended by school management, parents, guardians and friends of the inductees.
In her remarks before administering the oath and presenting provisional licences, the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs Eleanor Nwake, commended the institution for the quality of training provided to the graduates.
She also appreciated parents, teachers and guardians for their support throughout the students’ academic journey, urging the new professionals to remain open to learning from senior colleagues, accept corrections and avoid avoidable mistakes. She further encouraged them to pursue higher qualifications in nursing and uphold professional excellence.
Prof. Adebowale, in his address, highlighted the critical role of nurses in the health sector, noting global shortages in the profession. Citing World Health Organisation data, he said there is a global deficit of about 4.5 million nurses, stressing that “the world tenaciously needs compassionate nurses.”
He charged the inductees to maintain the strong reputation of the institution, which has produced competent nurses over the past six decades, and to remain committed to service in the health sector and to humanity at large.
He said, "You are answering a higher calling as you take your oath today. We need lifelong learners and Ambassador of UI.
"For the past six decades, we have produced competent nurses. Today is a day of celebration and soberness. Be committed to lifelong learning to provide effective care."
While urging the new nurses to cultivate empathy and advocate change, the VC encouraged them to proritize their well-being.
"Prioritise your well-being. Nursing is demanding. Carry the value with excellence, service and integrity that spell the standard of our great institution", he added.
In his address, the Provost of the College, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran congratulated the graduating nurses of Set Tenecia. He described the occasion as a celebration of resilience, discipline, and perseverance, noting that the class name, a blend of tenacity and grace, reflects their ability to stand firm while carrying themselves with dignity.
He commended the inductees for refusing to break or give up, saying they are clothed with strength and can face the future with confidence.
The Provost acknowledged that Nigeria’s health system is facing challenges such as brain drain and insecurity, but told the graduates that their success does not depend on perfect conditions.
He noted that great nurses are produced by pressure, discipline, and purpose, and reminded them that their training prepared them to meet human suffering with competence, compassion, and courage.
He urged the new nurses not to see their degree only as a means to leave the country, but as a ticket to change the world from wherever they find themselves, with a constant calling to heal, serve, and represent excellence.
He described nursing as a profession that demands boldness, wisdom, and compassion, and called on the inductees to advocate for the vulnerable and stand firm amid challenges.
Likening Nigeria’s healthcare system to a road under construction, he told the graduates they are builders and problem-solvers needed by society, and urged them to build up healthcare with competence, dignity, humanness, and ethics before closing with congratulations to the class, the Faculty of Nursing, the College, and the University.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Provost's award of excellent participation in community life to Elijah Ugbedeojo (male category) and Samuel Umoh (female category) and other deserving graduands.
The overall best graduating student, Olugbemi Damilola in her valedictory remarks commended the management, lecturers, staff of the College, parents and guardians for the support to achieve the success by the sets.
Recounting the sojourn since the point of entrance for the programme, she said the set has gone through hardship to emerge shinning.
