By David Onwuchekwa
The 27th Matriculation and Capping Ceremony of the College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, was more than a colourful academic tradition.
It was a powerful statement of the institution’s commitment to producing a new generation of highly skilled, disciplined and globally competitive nurses and midwives.
Held at the NAUTH temporary site, the ceremony brought together hundreds of newly admitted 2024 ND and 2025 ND student nurses, 2025 student midwives, parents, guardians, alumni, academics and well-wishers in a celebration of professional calling and academic excellence.
Representing the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, Dr Odili Okoye reminded the students that gaining admission into the College was no ordinary achievement.
He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by their parents and the institution through hard work, discipline and integrity.
According to him, the College has built a reputation that makes it one of the most sought-after nursing institutions in Nigeria, insisting that there would be no room for academic shortcuts.
He challenged the students to devote themselves fully to their studies, adding that the institution’s rigorous academic culture is designed to produce professionals capable of practising anywhere in the world.
Beyond academic excellence, the CMD emphasised character development, reminding the students that competence without good moral values cannot produce outstanding healthcare professionals.
He encouraged them to remain disciplined, uphold the values of the institution and place God at the centre of their lives.
Prof. Ugboaja also revealed that the hospital management is making significant investments in modern infrastructure at the permanent site, including standard classrooms and administrative facilities that will further improve learning and support future graduate and postgraduate programmes.
The Provost of the College, Mrs. Uyoh Eudora Uzoma, described the institution as a place where dreams are transformed into reality through dedication, discipline and professional training.
She noted that students undergo intensive academic and clinical training aimed at preparing them for the demanding healthcare profession. She urged the fresh intakes to embrace every learning opportunity with determination, adding that the College has consistently maintained an impressive record in both internal and external professional examinations.
While appreciating the support of the NAUTH management, the Provost highlighted areas requiring further intervention, including multimedia teaching equipment, computers, laptops, an electronic library and a utility bus to facilitate students’ movement during clinical postings.
She also disclosed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has directed all nursing institutions to adopt e-learning, making digital learning facilities increasingly important for modern nursing education.
The ceremony also featured presentations on the future of nursing practice in a technology-driven world.
One of the keynote lectures, delivered by Dr. John Emenike Anieche, focused on “Answering the Call to Care in the Digital Age: Building Competent and Innovative Nurses for Tomorrow,” highlighting the growing importance of digital competence and innovation in healthcare delivery.
As healthcare continues to evolve with technology, artificial intelligence and modern clinical practices, the message from NAUTH was unmistakable: tomorrow’s nurses must be academically sound, technologically equipped and morally grounded.
For the newest members of the College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, the capping ceremony was not merely the beginning of an academic journey, it marked their first step towards becoming compassionate healthcare professionals ready to serve Nigeria and the global community.
Tags: NAUTH, Nursing, Midwifery, Nnewi, Education
