From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
No fewer than 113 newly qualified Registered Nurses of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), have been inducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
They were inducted during the 10th induction ceremony of ABUAD’s Nursing Faculty held on the campus at the weekend.
The Registrar of NMCN, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, while administering the oath, charged the inductees to uphold the ethical standards of the profession and be committed to providing quality care.
He commended the founder and chancellor of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his huge investment in education, hence the institution’s ranking as the best university in Nigeria and 84th globally.
Alhassan, who was represented by Mrs. Kemi Awe, said, “I commend the founder of this institution, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his giant strides in education.
“I sincerely congratulate the parents and guardians of the inductees for their commitment, support, and contributions both morally and financially towards the remarkable achievement of the inductees in this institution.
“I also formally commend the staff and management and the head of the Nursing Faculty of this institution.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your journey as you are embarking on your professional career. Be dedicated to compassion, caring, and commitment to the well-being of others.
“Let it be known to you that a lot is expected from every one of you in compliance with standards of patients’ care and ethical conduct.
“Embrace challenges and also celebrate your success, and wherever you find yourself, be a good ambassador and show compassion to those who are committed to your hands.”
Delivering the induction lecture on the theme, “Building competence, embracing global relevance, and developing quality care: The modern nurses’ mandate,” a Professor of Community Public Health Nursing, Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Adekemi Olowokere, tasked the inductees with delivering high-quality care and being change-makers in the healthcare industry.
According to Olowokere, “Nurses have the mandate to respond effectively to global health trends, changing healthcare demands, and increased global mobility, consistently delivering quality and patient-centred care.”
The Professor urged the inductees to focus on building clinical and professional competence, embracing global relevance in practice, and committing to delivering high-quality care in all healthcare settings.
Olowokere, who identified staffing shortages, burnout, and morale as challenges to quality nursing care, stated that there is a three-part mandate essential to future-ready nursing: “Competence, Global Insight, and Quality Outcomes.”
Olowokere, who noted that the roles of nurses are indispensable, admonished them to embrace lifelong learning, engage globally, and be committed to excellence.
“In an ever-evolving global health landscape, the role of the modern nurse is more vital than ever. Building competence is not optional—it is foundational. Embracing global relevance ensures nurses are prepared to deliver culturally sensitive, evidence-based care across borders and systems.
“Today’s nurse is not just a caregiver at the bedside—but a change-maker at the heart of healthcare.”
In her address, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, congratulated the inductees and commended them for their outstanding performance in the Council’s and Midwifery qualifying examinations.
“Today, we gather to celebrate 113 bright, bold, and brilliant graduands to be inducted into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. These budding professionals are not only academically sound and ethically grounded but also globally attuned. Your induction is more than just a ceremonial rite of passage. It reaffirms your role as modern nurses to develop competence, embrace global relevance, and provide quality care in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
“You have shown outstanding academic resilience. In the May 2024 Council Final Qualifying Examination, your class recorded a phenomenal ninety-seven point three-nine per cent (97.39%) pass rate. By March 2025, the Midwifery Qualifying Examination hit a 100% pass rate. These remarkable achievements are proof that competence is not accidental but built through hard work, discipline, and excellent mentorship. As you step into the world of professional nursing, always remember that your induction is a covenant to uphold life’s dignity, to raise the hope of patients, and to lead with integrity, wherever you find yourself.
“Let your training speak for itself. Let your competence open global doors. Let your character anchor your success. Never2 forget the timeless counsel of our revered Founder and Chancellor: ‘You must be kind to your patients. You must love them, share in their pains, and provide them comfort. Let them feel that they can still make it. Give them that hope.’ (Aare Afe Babalola, Wednesday, January 22, 2025). This is the spirit of quality care. This is the ABUAD spirit.”
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the parents and guardians of the inductees for being part of the success story through their support and sacrifices. “To the parents, guardians, and sponsors, I say ‘thank you!’ You have stood firm in your support, emotionally, materially, and spiritually. Your sacrifices and trust have shaped the future of these young professionals. We do not take it for granted, and we appreciate you.”
At the ceremony, there was a presentation of awards and cash gifts to the best Nursing graduate, Vivian Aghasili; best student in Registered Nursing Examination (RN) and Registered Midwifery Examination (RM), Laura Ugo-Nwamba; best-behaved student, Faith Ajite; best student leader, Ayoade Gbenuade, among others.