The second induction/oath-taking ceremony for nursing graduates of Arthur Jarvis University (AJU) into the prestigious Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which took place on the 11th of September recorded an impressive turnout of dignitaries, proud parents, and jubilant graduates.
The ceremony, which was the second of its kind in the university’s history, kicked off with a grand procession of the graduating nurses, followed by an opening prayer led by Mrs. Edum Tangban. The anthems—both the National Anthem and the Nurses’ Anthem—were sung, setting a dignified tone for the event.
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Joe Edet, applauded the graduates for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment, highlighting the role they would play in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. His speech was followed by a lively cultural performance, which captivated the audience and added a celebratory touch to the occasion.
The keynote induction lecture was delivered by Dr. Adamu Nuhu, representing Associate Professor Ekaette Asuquo, Coordinator of Medical Surgical Nursing, Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Calabar.
The high point of the event came with the administration of the induction oath, where the graduates were officially inducted into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria by Dr. Emmanuel Udontre who represented the Secretary General/Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubakar, Udontre during the oath-taking ceremony, charged the newly inducted nurses to embody professionalism, compassion, and integrity in their practice.
Right after the induction, the inductees were requested to take the three customary bows as a form of appreciation to God, their lecturers and their parents. This was conducted by Dr Oliver Okon, the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance of the Institution. Recognizing that only God can help them succeed on this new journey, the president of the Christian Assocation of Nigeria (CAN), Cross River State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Kefas, prayed for the graduands.
The new nurses were officially accepted into the profession by a representative of the State Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nr Comrade Josephine Bassey, marking their formal entry into the association.
In recognition of academic excellence, awards were presented to two outstanding graduates: Ms. Dorothy Iso Anderson, who was named the best graduating student and received a cash prize of a hundred thousand naira (₦100,000) from the Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, and Ms. Josephine Essien, who was awarded fifty thousand naira (₦50,000) for being the best clinical student. The Head of Department of Nursing Science, Arthur Jarvis University, Elder Mrs Priscilla Bassey also gave a Head of Department Award of twenty thousand naira ((₦20,000) to the best graduating student. The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) also presented a special award to Ms. Anderson for her exemplary performance.
In a heartwarming gesture, Hon. Iso Anderson, father of the best graduating student and Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, gifted all the graduates a sum of thirty thousand naira (₦30,000) each to celebrate their success.
The valedictory speech by Ms. Anderson was a touching tribute to her fellow graduates, lecturers and family, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
The event concluded with photographs, as the new nurses proudly posed with university management, representatives of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Nigeria, and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, alongside their families and friends. The atmosphere was one of pride, joy, and celebration, as everyone reveled in the achievements of the day.
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser on Nursing Education, Cross River State, Mrs Rebecca Etong, Director of Nursing Services, Cross River State and Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Special Adviser on Health, Cross River State, among many others, whose presence added color and prestige to the occasion.