264 Student Nurses Matriculate at Iyienu College, Charged to Uphold Christian Virtues
Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Iyienu, Anambra State , Mrs. Ngozi J. Nduka
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, has charged newly admitted student nurses and midwives to remain steadfast, dedicated, and committed to Christian values as they pursue their training.
He gave this charge during the 45th Matriculation and Capping Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session of the College of Nursing Sciences, Iyienu, Anambra State, where a total of 264 student nurses and midwives were formally inducted.
Represented by Ven. Samuel Ezewudo, Sub-Dean of All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Bishop Nwokolo reminded the students of the Diocese on the Niger’s motto, “Show the Light.”
“I charge you, student nurses and midwives, to show the light in your academics and moral life, reflecting the light of God in your environment and in the world at large. Many who passed through this college have become beacons of light,” he said.
He further urged them to demonstrate resilience and integrity in their studies and personal lives.
“Be steadfast, dedicated to your studies, and committed to Christian values, because this college is a Christian community. The times are hard, and our country needs people of good character. Imbibe good virtues so that when you graduate, you will represent not just this college but also the Diocese on the Niger and the body of Christ,” he added.
In her welcome address, the Provost of the College, Mrs. Ngozi J. Nduka, urged the new students to cultivate a personal relationship with God, emphasizing the faith-based foundation of the institution.
“The University on the Niger Teaching Hospital, Iyienu, is a faith-based institution. We are interested in developing your spiritual life as well as your intellect. Chapel attendance is compulsory, and participation in all chaplaincy-organized spiritual activities is expected. These will help you become a complete and balanced individual,” she said.
Mrs. Nduka also reiterated the college’s zero tolerance for sexual immorality, drug use and abuse, examination malpractice, and other social vices.
She highlighted some of the institution’s current needs, including,a new Coaster bus for excursions and inter-college study programs and modern medical textbooks to equip the college library.
Delivering the matriculation lecture titled “Nursing Education Reform in Nigeria: The Place of ND Nursing,” the Guest of Honour, Dr. Florence Sibeudu, commended the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for driving reforms that align nursing education in Nigeria with global standards.
“Nursing education worldwide has evolved into university and polytechnic systems, preparing nurses not only as caregivers but also as innovators, researchers, and policy advocates. Today, students can pursue National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDN), Master’s (M.Sc.), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Nursing,” she explained.
She further noted that graduates of HND or B.Sc. Nursing programs are eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing nursing as “a calling and a commitment to service, compassion, and humility.”
In his remarks, Rev. Nonso Stanley Anene, Director of Administration at the University on the Niger Teaching Hospital, Iyienu, lauded the institution’s enduring reputation for excellence.
“Iyienu is synonymous with excellence. It was the first School of Nursing and Midwifery in Nigeria, graduating its pioneer set in 1931, including Miss Kemmer Fatepigi (now Mrs. Koripamo), the first Nigerian midwife,” he said.
Rev. Anene emphasized that despite the ongoing “Japa” (brain drain) phenomenon, Iyienu continues to play a vital role in producing skilled and disciplined health professionals.
“Here at Iyienu, we don’t just train nurses; we train disciplined nurses. As a mission hospital and school, we instill discipline and uphold the Iyienu brand of excellence. The students must strive not to disappoint us,” he admonished.
Expressing her excitement, one of the matriculants, Victory Chisom Ikenna, described her admission into the prestigious faith-based institution as “a dream come true.”
She thanked God for the opportunity and pledged to make her parents, Dr. Henry Obidimma and Sis. Uche Henry, proud through outstanding performance and commitment to serving God and humanity through her profession.
Sis. Uche Henry, in a brief remark, explained that their choice of Iyienu College of Nursing Sciences was influenced by the institution’s academic quality and strong Christian ethos.
Another ND I student, Ugwuoke Felicia Onyinye, prayed for God’s blessings on parents and guardians who sacrifice to sponsor their children despite Nigeria’s economic challenges. She promised to obey all school rules and regulations.
Highlights of the matriculation ceremony included the matriculation oath-taking, capping ceremony, cutting of the matriculation cake, a dramatic arrival of “Florence Nightingale”, presentation of gifts to outstanding students, and a cultural dance performance.
