*Celebrates Government’s healthcare reforms
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, has held its first-ever matriculation ceremony for students of the newly introduced National Diploma (ND), in Nursing programme.
A landmark moment hailed as a major leap in the state’s drive to strengthen healthcare and tertiary education.
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The event, which took place at the institution’s campus in Ifelodun Local Government Area, drew dignitaries from government, academia, and the healthcare sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu, congratulated the matriculating students and commended the college’s management for breaking new ground in nursing education.
She praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support towards developing healthcare and educational infrastructure across the state.
“Our Governor understands that building hospitals is not enough. He has prioritised the recruitment and training of competent healthcare workers, which is why this programme is a critical step towards a healthier Kwara,” she said.
She also charged the new students to embrace their training with seriousness and empathy, noting that nursing is a profession that demands both knowledge and humanity.
“The oath you take today binds you to a life of service. The lives of many will be entrusted to your care, and you must carry that responsibility with dignity and professionalism,” she advised.
The Provost of the College, Alhaji Quadri L.O., described the matriculation as a long-awaited milestone, noting that the ND programme has received full accreditation from both the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
According to him, this approval positions the college’s graduates on equal footing with their counterparts nationwide and internationally.
Alhaji Quadri commended Governor AbdulRazaq for what he described as “quiet but impactful” efforts in the education and health sectors.
“The Governor has shown a rare commitment to our collective well-being. From rapid responses to health emergencies to sustained investments in institutions like ours, his actions speak volumes,” he stated.
Representing the students, Coordinator, Muhammad Talatu, urged her colleagues to approach their academic journey with the mindset of winners, guided by what she called the 3Cs: Capacity, Conformity, and Commitment.
Guest speaker, Professor Joel Afolayan of the University of Ilorin, delivered a keynote lecture on “The Future of Nursing: Emerging Roles and Specialisation,” stressing the need for modern nurses to adapt to evolving challenges in healthcare delivery.
The event featured the traditional capping and stripping of the students, a tour of facilities by the Commissioner, and a drama performance by the students.
Parents, community leaders, and other guests applauded the ceremony as a sign of progress and hope, not only for the college but for the future of healthcare delivery in Kwara State.
