Calabar, Nigeria – 28 September 2025
The Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, has called on students of the College of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, to cultivate leadership qualities, balance academic pursuits with extracurricular engagement, and nurture their spiritual development.
Addressing students during the 2025 Students’ Week celebration, Mr. Esu emphasised that these pillars are essential for personal and professional success. He encouraged the students, as future leaders in healthcare, to actively participate in broader societal issues, including politics, to influence meaningful reforms within the health sector.
Highlighting the theme of the event, *“The Future of Nursing Care: Embracing Holistic and Interpersonal Practices,”* Mr. Esu underscored the importance of patient-centred care. He urged students to adopt holistic approaches that address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients, while remaining innovative, empathetic, and committed to excellence.
“As nurses, we are not just caregivers; we are advocates, educators, and leaders,” Mr. Esu stated. “We are the backbone of the healthcare system, and our role is crucial in shaping the health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities.”
He reiterated his support for policies that promote nursing education, leadership, and reform, aligning with Governor Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s “People’s First” initiative in healthcare delivery. “The ‘People’s First’ initiative is more than a slogan—it is a commitment to prioritising the needs of the people, especially in healthcare,” Mr. Esu added.
Declaring the Students’ Week open, the Registrar of the college, Mrs. Glory Anyanwu, encouraged students to showcase their talents and maintain discipline throughout the week-long activities. “This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your creativity, innovation, and leadership skills,” she said.
Student Union Government President, Comrade Joseph Effiong, also spoke on the theme, celebrating the launch of a new student magazine that reflects the diversity and creativity within the college. “This magazine is a reflection of our rich talents and skills,” he said. “We are excited to share our stories, our experiences, and our perspectives with the world.”
The Students’ Week activities aim to inspire the next generation of nursing professionals and equip them with the tools to lead transformative change in healthcare.
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