Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, has urged graduating students of Ogun College of Nursing Sciences, Abeokuta, to remember their Nigerian roots despite the allure of opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the college’s first combined convocation ceremony on Thursday, Coker emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Nigerian healthcare system’s role in their education and career development. She highlighted the quality and dedication of the graduates, asserting their crucial role in the nation’s healthcare.
“As nurses and midwives, you are the backbone of our healthcare system. Your role is critical, not only in providing care but in leading change, advocating for patients, and driving improvements in health outcomes,” Coker said. She encouraged the graduates to continue their professional growth through further education, research, and the adoption of new technologies.
Coker also expressed gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support in advancing nursing education. She noted his efforts to secure accreditation for all state-owned nursing schools and their transition to a collegiate system.
Dr. Omotade Sodimu, the college’s Provost, praised the institution’s longstanding contribution to the health sector. She announced that the first set of students admitted through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would soon be eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, marking a significant milestone for the college.
The best graduating student, Miss Busola Yakubu, encouraged her peers to leverage their education to make meaningful changes in the world. She urged them to embody the values and principles instilled in them, emphasizing continuous learning, creativity, and compassion.
“We must use our knowledge and skills to break barriers, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation. We must be the leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers that our world needs,” Yakubu stated.
The convocation ceremony celebrated the achievements of the graduates and highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare through education in Ogun State.
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