The College of Nursing Sciences, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has matriculated 149 students into its ND/HND Nursing Programme for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The matriculation ceremony, the fourth since the introduction of the ND/HND programme, attracted high-profile dignitaries from the hospital management, the College, and sister institutions, alongside parents, guardians, and invited guests.
Notable attendees included the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Nibokun Idia Ize-Iyamu, who was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo. Also present were the Director of Administration, Barr Jim Uwadiae; Deputy CMAC (Training and Monitoring), Prof. Anthony Atimati Deputy CMAC (Research and Ethics), Prof. Adebola Ehizele and the Head of Nursing Services, Mrs. B. Ujiagbedion. Principal officers of the College including the Provost, Mrs A. B. Eweka, the Deputy Provost , Mrs Rosaline Osagiede, the Registrar, Esther Mordi, the Librarian Mr Innocent Iyere, Heads of Departments, senior hospital staff, as well as Provosts and Heads of Departments from sister institutions, were also in attendance.
In her opening address, the Provost of the College, Mrs. A.B. Eweka, described the ceremony as a defining moment in the lives of the matriculating students. She emphasized that their admission into the College was earned through hard work, resilience, and merit.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the lives of these young men and women who have chosen the noble and demanding profession of nursing,” she stated.
Mrs. Eweka reaffirmed the College’s commitment to excellence in nursing education, noting its track record in producing competent, compassionate, and globally relevant professionals. She added that the integration of the ND/HND programme aligns with national academic standards and enhances students’ academic and professional development.
She further mentioned the College’s achievements, including being the first in the Edo/Delta region to commence the ND/HND nursing programme, with plans underway to introduce the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) and postgraduate programmes.
Charging the students, the Provost stressed that nursing is a calling that demands discipline, empathy, integrity, and lifelong learning.
“Nursing is not merely a career; it is a calling, a commitment to serve humanity with compassion and competence,” she said, urging the students to remain focused and committed to their studies while upholding ethical standards.
Representing the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo advised the students to maintain discipline and good conduct throughout their stay, emphasizing that character and professionalism are critical to success in the nursing profession.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the oath-taking session administered by Barr. Chris Ighodaro, during which the students pledged to abide by the rules and ethical standards of the profession and the institution. This was followed by the symbolic signing of the matriculation register and capping of the nurses which was anchored by the Registrar of the College, Mrs E. N. Mordi, signifying their formal entry into the profession and their commitment to care, compassion, and service.
The event featured a lecture by Dr. Mrs. Eunice A. Osian, titled “Profession of Care, Love and Compassion.” She explained the true meaning of nursing, highlighted the core characteristics of the profession, and encouraged students to embrace compassion, empathy, dedication, and selflessness as foundational values.
In her closing remarks, the Deputy Provost, Mrs. R. P. Osagiedie, expressed appreciation to the management of UBTH for their continued support and investment in healthcare education. She also commended the faculty and staff for their dedication to maintaining high academic standards.
Parents and guardians were equally appreciated for entrusting the institution with the training of their children, with assurances of a conducive learning environment that promotes both academic and moral excellence.
The ceremony concluded with the formal welcoming of the students into the academic community, setting them on a path toward becoming skilled, ethical, and compassionate nursing professionals who will contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
