The College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, recently held its 2024 matriculation and capping ceremony for 218 first-year students in Nursing and Midwifery.
The event commenced with a pontifical mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese and proprietor of the college, Most Reverend Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor. In his address, the bishop urged the students to pursue excellence in their profession due to the sensitive nature of healthcare, emphasizing discipline and compassion in their service to the sick.
Reverend Father Jude Igboka, Administrator of the College, expressed gratitude to Bishop Ezeokafor, the board, staff, and parents for their roles in advancing the institution. He highlighted the college’s skill acquisition program, which aims to encourage students to prioritize job satisfaction over financial rewards. He also appealed for scholarships from the government and private individuals to support deserving students.
Acting Provost Mrs. Mary-Michael Ezenwuba praised the College for its academic excellence and holistic development of students. She noted that the institution is positioning itself to become a world-class center of learning, particularly through its participation in the Nursing Education Reform Agenda of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, which saw the introduction of the first set of ND Nursing students.
In line with the Anambra State Government’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, Mrs. Ezenwuba shared plans to empower the girl child by constructing a two-storey skill acquisition center, inviting guests and supporters to contribute to the project.
Representing the State Director of Nursing Sciences, Mrs. Perpetua Anene, Director Emeritus Mrs. Kosi Ezekegbu emphasized the critical role of nursing in quality healthcare. She advised the matriculating students to uphold the ethics of the profession and avoid focusing solely on financial gains.
The event, chaired by Honourable Chukwuma Iloakasia, included life-saving skills demonstrations, cultural performances, and the ceremonial capping of the matriculants.
