Christopher Odamah Asaba
The Delta State College of Nursing Sciences Asaba, held its first historical matriculation ceremony, just as it praised the Executive Governor’s support in health and education sectors.
Kickstarting the event with procession by the Matriculants followed by the Provost and Lecturers by 11.30pm, the Provost, Mrs. Christiana Oteri, in her address, welcomed everyone to the first ever Matriculation Ceremony since the inception of the institution.
The Ceremony, she stated marks a new beginning for the fresh Matriculating Students and the College as they embark on a journey of academic excellence, professional growth and transformational service to humanity.
It was initially approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in 1993 as a midwifery school with a one-year post-basic midwifery programme for 40 students. And over the years, the institution expanded its curriculum by introducing an 18-month post-basic midwifery programme in 2005 and a three-year basic midwifery programme in 2020. Today, the College offers three programmes—Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery, and Community Midwifery—accommodating a total of 440 students comprising 301 Basic Midwifery Students, 50 Basic Nursing Students and 89 Community Midwifery Students.
Oteri disclosed that the College is in the brink of gaining accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education Broad for the award of OND/HND in Nursing Sciences and urged students to uphold discipline, work hard, and steer clear of social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, and indecent dressing, as the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy on such behaviors.
Mrs Oteri expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Elder Sheriff F. O Oborevwori and the State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, for their key interest and support for the health sector and Nursing Education in particular.
The Provost acknowledged recent infrastructural improvements, including two new classrooms, each with a 100-student capacity, nearing completion which will go a long way in enhancing teaching, learning and also presented cash awards, tagged the “Mrs. Oteri Award,” to the best students in each programme.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Mrs. Olisa Maria Ngozi, the pioneer Principal of the School of Midwifery Asaba and current Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences FMC, Asaba, focused on “Building Financial Independence through Nursing/Midwifery Entrepreneurship.”
The Deputy Provost, Mrs. Ikoko O., administered the matriculation oath and oversaw the signing of the register, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and refreshments.
While goodwill message was delivered by Mrs Mercy Atikpo (Director of Nursing Services Delta State) who was represented by Mrs Okuyade Atake and happened to be the Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Delta State.
The vote of thanks came afterwards by the Chairman Planning Committee of the event and Dean of Student Affairs of the College , Mrs Inikori GO and the event came to an end with a closing prayer by Mr Clifford Iwhrighen (Rtd DNS Delta State Ministry of Health) who gave the opening prayer.
Dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Mrs. Okeowo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, who represented the Commissioner for Health; Mr. Olokpe O. Williams, Director of Senior Management for the Head of Service; Engr. Meshack Ozah, SSA on Project Monitoring to the Governor, representing the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Rose Ezewu; Hon. Chuks Ojei, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties; Hon. Sir Jossy Honnah, Executive Assistant to the Governor; and Amb. Ese J. Emadifie, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media/DG Connecting With Vulnerable Deltans Through Traditional and Modern Media Channels, amongst others.
