The Main Auditorium of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), was filled with a palpable sense of purpose and pride as 152 Bachelor of Nursing Science graduates were formally ushered into the nursing profession. The induction ceremony, held on Friday December 12, 2025, focused on strengthening professional standards under the powerful theme: “The Competent Nurse: Adding Value to Patient Care Through Best Practices.”
The defining moment of the event was the administration of the professional pledge and affirmation of oath. This solemn rite of passage was performed by a representative of the Registrar/CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Nkiruka Oreh, acting for Dr. Alhaji Ndagi Al-Hassan. This act officially transformed the graduates from students into registered healthcare professionals, charged with a sacred duty of care.
The ceremony served as a celebratory milestone for the inductees, who, after years of intense academic and clinical training, now stand ready as frontline healthcare providers. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Raphael Adeghe, charged the new nurses to be pillars of integrity, competence, and empathy. He underscored that the complexity of modern healthcare demands an unwavering commitment to global best practices.
Echoing this sentiment, the Acting Head of the Department of Nursing Sciences, Dr. Mrs. Veronica Ugeh, and the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Dominic Osaghae, jointly emphasized that competence is the non-negotiable cornerstone of safe, effective, and patient-centred care.
Delivering the induction lecture, Professor Roselyn Esewe of the University of Benin provided a forward-looking perspective. She highlighted the critical need for a sustainable nursing workforce, advocating for conducive work environments, continuous professional development, and strict adherence to evidence-based practices to retain talent and ensure quality care.
For the inductees, including the Best Graduating Student, Kensington Godspower, the ceremony symbolized more than just a formal event; it marked the beginning of a lifelong professional journey anchored in service, compassion, and relentless learning.
Without a doubt, IUO has paved the way for a new generation of nurses, expertly trained and ethically grounded, ready to add immense value to patient care and contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of Nigeria’s health sector. Their journey at IUO may have concluded, but their vital role in safeguarding the nation’s health has just begun.
