Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health of Cross River State, has begged newly graduated University of Calabar (UNICAL) nursing students to stay in the country and join the healthcare workforce, rather than migrate abroad. Ayuk says that their services are desperately needed here in the country.
The commissioner said this today at the Induction of the new graduates into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), where 229 of them were taking oath.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which was the 10th edition, was a combination of the 2020/21 and 2021/22 academic sessions,
Ayuk pointed out that with many of the state’s nurses retiring soon, vacancies would be opening up.
“As you graduate, be assured that Cross River will employ anybody who comes as doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, etc.
“Please don’t ‘japa’, we are encouraged by what the nursing profession can offer; It is the pillar of our well-being.
“Don’t be scared of working anywhere; abide by the ethics that govern this profession. We are aware that the condition of service is not that impressive, but we are working on that,” Ayuk said.
Florence Obi, the UNICAL Vice Chancellor, also charged the new nurses with professionalism in their day-to-day carrying out of their responsibilities.
Angela Oyo-Ita, the deputy Vice Chancellor, who represented Obi at the event, reminded the graduates that they had been called to serve humanity.
“You are here to take an oath on the ethics that you are going to abide by and anytime you violate the oath, your license will be taken away from you.
“Nursing is very dear to my heart, go and make us proud, and also remember your Alma Mata wherever you go,” Obi said.
The chairperson of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, (NANNM), Cross River Chapter, Josephine Bassey, extended her congratulations to the new nurses, urging them to work hard in whatever role they get employed to.
Many graduates received awards, including Madu Onyedikachi, who was the best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.52 out of 5.
(Premium Times)
