By Wisdom Libeh Ayang
The College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu, Cross River State, has recorded a major academic and professional milestone as it held its 2nd Matriculation and Mass Capping Ceremony, with 605 students formally admitted into the institution. The ceremony took place on Friday at the college premises and attracted a large gathering of political leaders, royal fathers, civil servants, and stakeholders from across Cross River State.
Speaking during the event, the Provost of the College, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Undeshi, described the capping ceremony as a sacred rite of passage in the life of every nursing student. She explained that the cap is not merely a uniform item, but a symbol of discipline, service, and the successful completion of preliminary training before entry into clinical practice.
She urged the matriculating students to shun social vices, remain focused, and embrace their studies with seriousness and commitment. According to her, the future of the nursing profession depends on students who are disciplined, morally sound, and academically prepared for the demands of healthcare delivery.
Dr. Undeshi also expressed appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission for donating 250 computers to the institution. She further thanked the host community for its generosity in donating land to support the expansion and future development of the college.
Also addressing the audience, Dr. Undeshi warmly welcomed Governor Otu and other distinguished guests to Obudu and thanked the governor for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of nursing education in Cross River State. She particularly acknowledged the governor’s financial intervention during the institution’s last accreditation exercise by the National Board for Technical Education, as well as support in the provision of learning materials and infrastructure for a more conducive teaching and learning environment.
Reaffirming her support for the People First agenda of the current administration, the Provost stated that the college has witnessed visible growth and significant improvement as a result of Governor Otu’s support for the health and education sectors.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Tony Undiandeye, welcomed guests, students, and dignitaries to the ceremony and commended the progress recorded by the institution within a short period. He praised Governor Bassey Otu for the various intervention programmes that have improved the standard of the college and also lauded the Provost for sustaining moral discipline and providing direction anchored on quality education and service to humanity.
Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented by the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, applauded the host community for its continued support of the institution, especially the donation of land for expansion. He assured the gathering that the state government would continue to invest in the college and strengthen its capacity to compete with institutions of international standard.
The governor’s representative said the administration remains committed to improving healthcare education and building institutions that will produce competent professionals for the benefit of the state and the wider society.
The Head of Service, Barr. Orok Okon, congratulated the matriculating students and expressed delight at the impressive number of students admitted. He noted that the development gives hope that the civil service and health institutions in the state will continue to have a pool of trained manpower in the future.
The Special Adviser on Nursing, Dr. Coco Bassey, said the ceremony was not just about uniforms and caps, but about the students’ choice, commitment, and dedication to the demanding path of healthcare service. He also acknowledged the decisive role played by Governor Otu in transforming nursing education in the state.
In his remarks, the Zonal Director of the National Board for Technical Education, Mr. Mbong, reminded the students that they now carry a special responsibility to protect the image and standard of the college. He said their conduct, academic performance, and professionalism would ultimately define the reputation of the institution. He commended the management and staff for their resilience, foresight, and commitment in building the college, and appealed to the state government to grant the institution full autonomy and the privileges enjoyed by similar colleges elsewhere.
Traditional institutions were also well represented at the event. The Paramount Ruler of Obudu, His Royal Majesty Utsu Felix Okudare, joined other speakers in affirming the remarkable progress of the institution and commended Governor Otu’s visionary leadership across the state. He also appealed to the governor to provide a coaster bus for the college to ease students’ movement during official school engagements and functions.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the formal matriculation of the students by the Registrar of the College, Mrs. Afu Dorothy, who administered the matriculation oath and led the students through the declaration process.
The event also witnessed a moment of recognition as the Provost, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Undeshi, was honoured with an award by the management board for her dedication, versatility, and commitment to upholding morals and professionalism in the institution.
©️Sentrytimes News
