As part of its commitment to strengthening nursing education, youth empowerment, and healthcare delivery, Cross River State hosted the Nigeria Nursing Students Olympiad (NNSO) Quiz Competition 2026. The national event brought together nursing students from higher institutions across Nigeria to compete on a grand stage.
Representing the Cross River State Government, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Elder Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, commended the organizers for bringing together students from across the country to compete in Calabar.
He noted that the future of healthcare, especially nursing, is brighter than ever.
“In the past, nursing training was treated as peripheral. Even during my time as a medical student, we only shared a few sections of learning with nurses. Today, the narrative has changed,” Dr. Ayuk said.
He applauded the ‘People First’ administration of His Excellency, Apostle Sen. Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for its deliberate investment in nursing education through funding, infrastructure, and policy support. According to him, the results are already evident in the increased participation of Cross River students in state and national competitions.
Dr. Ayuk was presented with an Exemplary Leadership Award on behalf of the Cross River State Government in recognition of the state’s support for nursing students and young professionals across Nigeria, and for inspiring them to pursue excellence, leadership, and service to humanity.
He also presented cash prizes to the top winners:
₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) – Overall Winner, South East Zone
₦700,000 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) – First Runner-up, South South Zone
₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) – Second Runner-up, South West Zone
₦200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) – Third and Fourth Positions
Other outstanding participants also received cash awards.
In his address, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Dr. Coco-Bassey Esu, described the Olympiad as more than a contest.
“The Nigeria Nursing Students Olympiad is a celebration of excellence, critical thinking, teamwork, and the future of nursing in Nigeria. To every student here today: you are already winners, because you chose a profession that saves lives, restores dignity, and gives hope,” he said.
Dr. Esu highlighted key interventions by the state government to reposition nursing education through:
Financial support to ensure Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery meet and maintain national accreditation standards
Employment of nurses and lecturers
Upgrade of classrooms, skills laboratories, hostels, and ICT facilities to meet 21st-century demands
Donation of buses for students’ clinical experience and improved promotion and welfare packages
Appointment of Governing Councils to strengthen governance and academic autonomy
Full transition to collegiate systems in nursing institutions
“These are investments in you — the next generation of nurse leaders, educators, researchers, and clinicians,” he added.
Dr. Esu also joined in presenting awards to winners in various categories.
Earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors, NNSO, Nur. Michael Egbujionuma, Esq., described the Olympiad as a dream to reward excellence in nursing.
“From 30 participating states and over 100 colleges, schools, and universities, through state and zonal stages, only 12 exceptional finalists emerged. These are the brightest minds from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Today in Calabar, where excellence meets opportunity, history will be written,” he stated.
Announcing the finalists, Comrade Anene Treasure, Co-Organizer of NNSO, congratulated all participants:
“You’ve already proven your brilliance. Now it’s time to leave your mark on the national stage.”
Other Dignitaries in Attendance Included:
Dr. Joseph Onojame, Delta State Commissioner for Health
Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, Cross River State
Dr. Godwin Iyala, DG, Cross River State Health Insurance Agency
Dr. Joy Obetem, Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar
Mrs. Roseline Obojor, Director of Nursing Services, Cross River State
Prof. Alberta Nsemo, Head of Nursing Department, University of Calabar
Mrs. Bassey Okokon, Registrar, College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar
Dr. Afufu Antony, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Orientation
Comrade Olayi Emmanuel, State Chairman, Nigeria Youth Congress
Alongside lecturers, stakeholders, and students.
The successful hosting of NNSO 2026 in Calabar further positions Cross River State as a leader in health education and youth development in Nigeria.
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