Gov Otu Lauded at College of Nursing Obudu 2026 Mass Capping, Matriculation

Stakeholders and community leaders have commended Governor Apostle Sen Dr Prince Bassey Otu for his infrastructural and resource interventions in the College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu, noting the institution’s remarkable growth from a school-based structure to a full collegiate system.

The commendations came during the 2026 Mass Capping and Matriculation Ceremony of the College, where students received the nurse’s lamp and took the matriculation oath in a colorful event attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, and health sector stakeholders.

Representing the Governor, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Elder Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, lauded the Governor’s commitment to equitable education across the state. He said the administration’s infrastructural support ensured the College of Nursing Obudu was not shut down but upgraded to meet national standards. Dr Ayuk also assured the audience of plans to establish a medical school in Ogoja and reiterated government’s ongoing recruitment of health workers to bridge staffing gaps in the health sector.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing,
Dr Esu Coco-Bassey

Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Dr Esu Coco-Bassey, acknowledged the Governor’s role in sustaining funding for the four Colleges of Nursing in Obudu, Calabar, Ogoja, and Itigidi. He highlighted key interventions including expansion of lecture halls, demonstration rooms, and e-libraries, support for accreditation of nursing and midwifery programs, strengthening of the collegiate system, partnerships with WHO and NDDC for technical support, training and equipment, and regular subvention to sustain academic programs and clinical postings.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Tony Undiandeye (JP), in his opening remarks, congratulated the students for scaling the competitive admission process. He urged them to maintain discipline and good conduct to graduate with distinction.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Provost of the College, Dr(Mrs) Victoria Undeshi, praised the state government’s unwavering commitment to nursing education. She noted that the support facilitated the College’s accreditation, improved facilities, better staff welfare, and stronger community impact through partnerships with NDDC, WHO, and increased student enrollment.

Also delivering goodwill, the Cross River Head of Service, Barr Orok Bassey Okon, commended staff and students for upholding unity in the College. He assured that staff-related issues in the state are being addressed by the government and charged the students to be worthy ambassadors of the healthcare system.

The event marks the second Mass Capping and Matriculation since the College attained collegiate status, signaling Cross River State’s renewed push for quality nursing education and health security.