𝘣𝘺 𝘈𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘜𝘥𝘰
Obohia Ndoki, Abia State—The College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, on Friday, July 17, 2026, held its 5th Matriculation and 3rd Enlistment Ceremony, marking another milestone in the institution’s commitment to producing highly skilled and morally upright healthcare professionals for Nigeria and the global community.
The colorful ceremony culminated a week-long programme that began on Sunday, July 12, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at Living Faith Church, Akwete Ndoki, where management, staff, students, and well-wishers gathered to express gratitude for the institution’s steady growth and achievements.
The event attracted dignitaries from both within and outside the state, including the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Godwin Umontuen; the Director of the College, Mrs. Confidence Godwin Umontuen; the Provost, Dr. Mathias Agba; and the Registrar, Comrade Vincent Aluu (Ph.D.).
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Sir Chris Nkwonta, Member Representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was represented by a delegate who delivered a well-prepared address, while the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Eket Senatorial District in the National Assembly, also sent a representative to the event.
In the matriculation lecture delivered by Professor Justin Ingwu of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, on the theme “Beyond the Japa Dream: Building Competence, Character, and Generational Wealth in Nursing,” the renowned academic challenged the newly admitted students to pursue excellence through competence, integrity, and continuous learning, rather than viewing ‘japa’, a popular slang used for migration, as the ultimate goal of the nursing profession.
Professor Ingwu emphasised that while opportunities exist worldwide, nurses who develop exceptional skills, strong ethical values, and entrepreneurial mindsets will remain relevant and successful wherever they choose to practice.
He urged the students to uphold the dignity of the profession and become ambassadors of quality healthcare.
The ceremony featured colourful processions by management, academic staff, invited guests, and the new students, followed by the formal administration of the matriculation and enlistment rites.
The event also included goodwill messages from distinguished guests, inspiring speeches from college officials, and entertaining cultural and musical performances that added glamour to the occasion.
An emotional moment occurred when the Elites Forum of Nung Oku Ekanem, ONNA Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, honoured the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Godwin Umontuen, with a prestigious Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, leadership, and community development.
Presenting the award, members of the forum described Dr. Umontuen as a visionary leader whose commitment to educational advancement and human capacity development has positively impacted lives beyond his immediate community.
Also lending cultural significance to the event was the strong presence of representatives from the Nung Umiang Family of Nung Oku Ekanem, ONNA Local Government Area, the ancestral home of Dr. Umontuen. Family members joined other guests in celebrating the recognition bestowed on their illustrious son and applauded his dedication to educational excellence.
Speaking during the ceremony, the college management, led by Council Chairman Dr. Umontuen, reaffirmed its determination to maintain high academic standards, discipline, and professionalism in training nurses capable of meeting the evolving healthcare needs of society.
Parents, guardians, alumni, friends, and well-wishers congratulated the newly matriculated and enlisted students, expressing confidence that the institution would continue to produce healthcare professionals equipped with the knowledge, character, and compassion needed to make meaningful contributions to the medical profession.
Insight Newspapers
