The College of Nursing Sciences Obudu in Cross River State, South-South of Nigeria has kick-started the awards of National Diploma (ND), High National Diploma (HND) in Post Basic Nursing Sciences and other nursing programmes, following the accreditation of the College by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in October 2023.

The College, which was established in 1952, had been a citadel for the training of Midwifery and others basic Nursing programs before it was upgraded by the administration of Professor Ben Ayade to its present status.

In a colourful maiden matriculation ceremony at the school campus in Obudu, the Visitor to the College, who was also the Special Guest of Honor and the state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Health Dr.Egbe Ayuk, charged the matriculating students to make used of the opportunity to pursue their carriers with excellence.

He said that Cross State is working hard to equip all the colleges of nursing in state with state-of-the-art infrastructure through a private public partnership (PPP).

The governor expressed his determination to give his best especially in the provision of basic health services to the people.

The Governor noted that in as much as the state government is set to deliver on service delivery, the communities must also lend their support in safeguarding the state assets by stopping people encroaching into government acquired lands in the area.

He assured the of Obudu that the government has not abandoned the Obudu General Hospital and that plans were on ground to kick-start the project, promising that the matriculating students will served as a pool of workforce in future when the hospital is completed.

In her speech, the Pioneer Provost of the College, Dr (Mrs) Victoria Asabe Undeshi said, “We are immensely grateful to Cross River State, past and present administration, for keying into the current reforms in nursing. We are also grateful to them for locating a College of Nursing Sciences in Obudu, fulfilling the dreams and the aspirations of the people of Obudu and the state in general.”

She said that the College acknowledges in special way the huge contribution of the various stakeholders, both at home and abroad, whose benevolence had led to the sustenance of the mission and vision of the College.

According to Provost, the Governing Council and Management of the College will ever remain grateful to the administrations for their magnanimity and resolve to transform nursing education in the state and particularly the College of Nursing Sciences Obudu.

“We also salute the generosity of the government officials, past and present, as well as individuals and groups”, noting special efforts of the Traditional Rulers Council for donating over six hectares of land “to meet up NBTE and NMCN accreditation requirements”

She equally appreciated the Ministry of Education for donating classrooms and hotels block in Girls Secondary School, Obudu.

Dr Victoria charged the students to pursue their studies with diligence and embraced academic integrity by learning and understanding the rules of academic engagement for the next four years and three years respectively while taking the opportunity to realized that the success of their careers lay in the hands.

In a goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Utsu Felix B. Okundare, who was represented, said “the importance of this occasion cannot be over-emphasised bearing in mind that good health is better than gold. I wish to assure you all of the all round support of Obudu Traditional Rulers and the entire people of Obudu LGA.”

He added that “the success of the school is of great concern to us and we must stop at nothing to achieving it.”

The Paramount stated that as custodians of the community, the council in collaboration with the security agencies in Obudu will ensured adequate protection of the facilities.

In her address, the former First Lady of the state and wife to Professor Ben Ayade, Dr Mrs Linda Ayade, who is the President Madiatrix Development Foundation, said that it was a pleasant moment to witness the maiden edition of the matriculation ceremony while charging all students to pursue their carriers with excellence and discipline.

She expressed hope that she will witness the convocation of the students and prayed the College to continues in the dream, misssion, and vision of the institution.

Mrs Ayade was also conferred with outstanding award by the management of the College for her numerious contributions to the realisation of the degree programmes.

The former Chief staff to Governor Ayade and Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Dr Martines Orim, represented by Dr Alex Asfor, HOD of the Mathematics Department of Federal College of Education Obudu, also pledged his support for the College, pledging that the former Chief of Staff will be doing his best to see to the realisation of the vision and mission of the College.

Highpoints of the occasion was the the presentation of new students for induction and their capping by the Chairperson of the pioneer Governing Board, Mrs Mary U.Esuku and presentation awards to various personalities who had contributed to the success of the College, including the former Permanent Secretary in the Cross Rivers Ministry of Health.