Itigidi Nursing College Holds 6th Matriculation as Stakeholders Hail Gov Otu’s Support for Nursing Education

, held its 6th Matriculation and Capping Ceremony at the weekend, with leaders and stakeholders commending , Governor of Cross River State, for his administration’s interventions that have repositioned the institution as one of the best in the sub-region.

Representing the Governor, who is Visitor to the College, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Elder Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, restated the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery. He listed ongoing efforts to include the establishment of a College of Medicine, improved welfare for healthcare workers, support for the collegiate system, and closer collaboration with college leadership to advance nursing education and training.

Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Mrs Philomina Etim, lauded the management of the College for their resilience in keeping the institution alive and thriving despite challenges. She charged the matriculating students to embrace hard work, discipline, and integrity, noting that they are not just students but future ambassadors of the nursing profession. “Nursing is a noble calling. Wear your cap and gown with honour, but more importantly, carry yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this College, of Cross River State, and of humanity,” Amb. Etim said.

Speaking earlier, the Provost of the College, Deaconess Ruth Ita Ebong, described the event as “a celebration of six glorious years of excellence under God and purposeful leadership under the Governor.” She lauded Governor Otu for his support, noting that it has made the College one of the best in the country.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo

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

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Margaret Opia, charged the matriculating students that their journey to excellence begins now. She urged them to “carry their gowns with hope” and uphold the dignity of the nursing profession.

In their goodwill messages, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo, the Special Adviser on Nursing Education to the Governor, Mrs Uduak Spencer Efem, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Dr Coco-Bassey Esu, all praised the Governor’s investments in nursing and charged the students to embrace discipline and professionalism.

The ceremony also had in attendance the Executive Chairman of Abi Local Government Area, Hon. Egbala Bassey; royal fathers including the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi LGA, HRM Oval Elder Dr Solomon Osim Edward, and the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr LGA, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Jonah Offor, the CRS Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Roseline Obojor; NANNM Chairman, Comrade Josephine Bassey, as well as Provosts and Principal Officers of all Colleges of Nursing in the state among other healthcare sector stakeholders.

The ceremony featured the formal capping of student nurses and the administration of the matriculation oath, marking their formal induction into the nursing profession.