Nkechinyere Ewa-okpara
A foremost nursing school in Ebonyi state, Blessed Martins College of Nursing Sciences Ohatekwe Amegu Ikwo Saturday held her median matriculation ceremony.
The event, which was a combined matriculation ceremony of Blessed Martins College of Nursing Sciences (BMCONS) and Blessed Martins International Institute of Science and Technology (BMIIST), Ohatekwe Amagu, Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, attracted major dignitaries in Ebonyi and outside Ebonyi.
The nursing school, which got approval from the National Nursing Council of Nigeria, has been evaluated by the National Board for Technical Education Kaduna for the award of an HND certificate to its graduates.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, the chairman of the event, Hon Chinedu Onah, represented by the Dean, Center for Human Resources in Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu -Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Professor Fidelis Okpata, described private sector education as a very big challenge to public education in the country.
Okpata, former Deputy Chief of Staff to former Governor David Umahi, said the sector was where Nigeria was heading.
He commended the College for quality personnel and infrastructure and averred that it would soon become a reference centre.
“Private sector education is a very big challenge now to public education in Nigeria. And to be sincere, that is where Nigeria is heading.
“I want to thank you for this wonderful initiative and your resourcefulness. This is my first time entering this institution, and I am impressed by the infrastructural development I am already seeing here.
“I want to thank the people of Ikwo Local Government Area for giving Chinedu Ogah such a tremendous support and privilege.
“I want to believe that by the things we are seeing here, by the quality of academic staff, and the entire personnel crew, it will not be long this institution will become a reference centre East of the Niger”, he said.
Professor Okpata urged the students to focus on their studies to make their parents and the state proud.
Bridget Aja, Provost of Blessed Martins College of Nursing Sciences, in her address, urged the students to shun cultism, examination malpractice, fighting, stealing, homosexuality, lesbianism and other forms of anti-social behaviours that can affect their studies.
She threatened that the college would rusticate any student who engaged in such behaviours.
Rt. Hon Chinedu Ogah, Founder of the twin institutions and member representing Ikwo/Ezza South federal constituency in the House of Representatives said the institutions were established to make the students self-reliant after their graduation.
He explained that those who have graduated from the Institute are all working in different places owing to the courses the schools offer.
Ogah urged the students to avoid any act that would destroy them further and bring shame to their parents.
Mary Ogah, the proprietress of the institutions, assured parents that the college management would continue to work hard to give the students the best.
She said a modern health centre which would serve as a referral centre would be established in the institution.
The highlight of the event was the capping of the nursing students and the presentation of light by Mrs, Mary Chinedu Ogah and HOD nursing department Ebonyi State Ministry of Health Maria Orji and other members of the nursing council in Ebonyi
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