By Oluchi Omai
The Cross River State Colleges of Nursing Sciences have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration with the state civil service following a courtesy visit to the Head of Service, Barrister Orok Bassey Okon.
The delegation, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Mr Coco-Bassey Esu, visited the Head of Service to congratulate him on his recent appointment and to strengthen institutional ties between the nursing colleges and the state’s civil service.
Welcoming the team, Barr. Okon reiterated the state government’s resolve to reposition and rebrand the civil service. He assured the nursing colleges of a harmonious working relationship and stressed the need to strengthen laws regulating the institutions, enforce discipline and professional standards, and curb unnecessary staff conversions and transfers as part of broader civil service reforms.
Mr Esu, in his remarks, congratulated the Head of Service on his appointment, describing it as a reflection of “the will of God and a reward for dedication to service.” He expressed confidence that improved synergy between the colleges and the Office of the Head of Service would enhance nursing education, practice and training in the state. According to him, this collaboration would help deliver on the collegiate vision of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Chairmen of all Colleges of Nursing in the state, Prof. Margaret Opia, highlighted notable milestones recorded under the current administration. She cited the attainment of Higher National Diploma (HND) status by the College of Nursing Itigidi as a benchmark for other institutions within Cross River State and across Nigeria. Prof. Opia appealed for the Head of Service’s continued support in strengthening nursing education and professional practice.
On behalf of the provosts, the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences Itigidi, Deaconess Mrs Ruth Ita Ebong, outlined the state government’s ongoing efforts to transition schools of nursing into full collegiate systems. She explained that the long-term plan is to establish the colleges as departments of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), in line with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) policy. She added that the policy requires colleges to mobilise students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for at least three batches before such a transition, in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s educational guidelines.
The Head of Service assured the delegation that concerns affecting lecturers would be addressed. He also advised against the engagement of contract staff who may be unable to perform effectively due to age or health-related challenges.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to strengthening both the civil service and nursing education in Cross River State.
Those present at the meeting included Dr Teresa Osaji, Chairman, College of Nursing Ogoja; Dr Christy Essien Ekpe, Chairman, College of Nursing Calabar, represented by the Registrar, Mrs Bassey Etim; the Chairman, College of Nursing Sciences Obudu; Mrs Mary Esuku, Provost, College of Nursing Calabar; Mrs Joy Nelson; the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service; Mrs Glory Odu-Oji, Permanent Secretary, Care Management Office; and Barrister Lucy Enakirerini, among others.
0 Comments