From TCNEWS
Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has inducted 242 newly qualified nurses into the profession during its 11th induction and swearing-in ceremony, while also unveiling a new Entrepreneurship Clinic aimed at equipping graduates with additional skills for self-reliance.
The event, held at the university auditorium, brought together top government officials, academic leaders, health professionals, parents, and students in what was described as a landmark moment for healthcare education in Abia State.
Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Dick Uduma, urged the graduating nurses to remain good ambassadors of ABSU and uphold the ethical standards of the nursing profession. He praised the state governor and visitor to the university, Dr Alex Otti, for his support to the institution, particularly the ongoing construction of a 10,000-capacity hostel and the prompt payment of staff salaries.
The Registrar and Secretary General of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs Stella Godswill, emphasized the importance of integrity and compassion in nursing practice. He noted that the council would continue to strictly monitor professional conduct to safeguard public trust in the healthcare system.
In separate goodwill messages, the Provost of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Chuks Kamalu (represented by Dr Ebere Mbanaso), the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Chris Timothy (represented by Dr Udo Ubani), and the Head of Department of Nursing Science, Dr Peace Okoroafor, reminded the graduates that they are future leaders in healthcare. They also appealed for an increase in the admission quota for nursing to address rising demand in the sector.
Delivering the valedictory speech, the best graduating student, Chidera Okochi, expressed gratitude to God, her family, and the university community for their support throughout the academic journey, pledging to represent the institution with distinction.
The ceremony featured the administration of the induction oath, presentation of licenses, unveiling of the Nursing Magazine, cutting of the induction cake, presentation of awards to outstanding staff and partners, and a keynote lecture titled “Nursing: Power to Change the World” by Dr Chidimma Israel.
In a related development, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria officially commissioned the ABSU Faculty of Nursing Science’s Entrepreneurship Clinic, a facility designed to empower nursing graduates with complementary skills in areas such as clothing, shoe production, cake making, and perfume production.
Speaking at the commissioning, Alhaji Alhassan, represented again by Mrs Godswill, commended ABSU for the initiative, stressing that while nursing must remain their primary focus, the additional skills would provide graduates with resilience in a challenging economy. Dr Okoroafor explained that the clinic was established to demonstrate that nurses can excel in multiple fields while maintaining professional integrity.
This event is significant not only for the 242 nurses who are now formally entering the healthcare workforce but also for the university and Nigeria’s healthcare system. It highlights efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery by producing competent professionals while also addressing youth unemployment and economic challenges through the introduction of entrepreneurial training. The commissioning of the Entrepreneurship Clinic positions ABSU as a pioneer in blending professional education with vocational skills, a model that could inspire other institutions across Africa.
The Vice Chancellor, alongside other academic leaders, was present at both the induction and the commissioning, which marked a double milestone for the university’s Faculty of Nursing Science
