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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Vice Chancellor of Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Prof Chimezie Omeonu, has warned health workers against leaving the country to seek greener pastures abroad.
He gave the warning when he spoke at the second induction/oath-taking ceremony for the 2024/2025 Bachelor of Nursing Science graduands of the university.
According to him, if his warning is not heeded, a time would come when the country would be bereft of health workers to take care of her populace.
Omeonu commended the inductees for the feat, and appealed to the new nurses not to join the migration (Japa) train, but to remain in Nigeria to salvage the country together.
He also tasked the government to improve on the welfare of university lecturers and health workers. He added that this would help to checkmate the rate at which professionals in those areas travel abroad to seek greener pastures.
Dr Al-Hassan Ndagi, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), reminded the inductees that nursing is not just a job, but a calling to serve humanity.
Ndagi, who was represented by Hassan Abdullahi, encouraged the inductees to make their marks in society as the next generation of nurses, and serve people with compassion and love, while abiding by the ethics of the profession.
In a lecture entitled: ‘Nurses supporting Nurses: From Induction to Excellence’, the guest speaker, Prof Faith Diorgu of the University of Port Harcourt, described nursing as a community that nurtures, uplifts, challenges and protects its own.
She said nursing requires excellence not just in clinical expertise, but in integrity, compassion, accountability and lifelong learning.
“As you take your professional oath, you are not just joining a workforce, you are joining a legacy. You are not just receiving a licence; you are embracing a mission. Therefore, let the values of compassion, courage, competence and curiosity guide you from your first shift to your final contribution,” Diorgu stated.
Emeremadu Chimhurumunanya, who emerged the overall best among the 68 inductees, thanked all who helped in making their success story.
