ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Asaba, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, held its first-ever matriculation ceremony, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic and professional excellence.
In her welcome address, the Provost, Mrs. Christiana Oteri, described the event as a new beginning for both the matriculating students and the institution. She recounted the college’s evolution, noting that 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. Over the years, the institution expanded its curriculum, 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.
Mrs. Oteri further disclosed that the college is on the verge of obtaining accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the award of Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nursing Sciences. She 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.
Expressing gratitude to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, for their unwavering support in advancing nursing education, the Provost acknowledged recent infrastructural improvements, including two new classrooms, each with a 100-student capacity, nearing completion. She also presented cash awards, tagged the “Mrs. Oteri Award,” to the best students in each programme.
The keynote lecture, 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.” Additionally, a goodwill message was delivered by Mrs. Mercy Atikpo, Director of Nursing Services, Delta State, represented by Mrs. Okuyade Atake.
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. The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Mr. Clifford Iwhrighen, retired Director of Nursing Services at the Delta State Ministry of Health.
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.
