NMCN Officially Inducts 38 Nursing Science Graduates from Gregory University, Uturu
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has formally inducted 38 Nursing Science graduates from Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) in Abia State into its membership. The induction ceremony, which took place recently, served as a platform to highlight the critical roles, multiple qualifications, and professional responsibilities of trained nurses in Nigeria's healthcare system.
Transition from Students to Registered Nurses
Dr. Alhasan Ndagi, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NMCN, who performed the induction through his representative Mr. Godwin Ukpong, addressed the inductees—comprising five males and 33 females. He emphasized that nursing is a highly demanding profession deeply rooted in compassion and dedicated service to humanity. Dr. Ndagi stressed that nurses must consistently demonstrate kindness, attentiveness, and empathy when interacting with patients to provide holistic care.
He explained that the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree earned by the graduates is specifically designed to enhance the quality of nursing services across Nigeria. This degree equips nurses with essential skills to make accurate clinical diagnoses, design appropriate and personalized care plans, and effectively implement and evaluate patient care outcomes. Dr. Ndagi noted that the ceremony formally marks their transition from students to graduates and registered nurses, officially welcoming them into the noble nursing profession following their induction and oath-taking.
Only after this induction process are their names entered into the official NMCN register with the prestigious "Registered Nurse (RN)" designation. Mr. Ukpong further charged the new inductees to actively develop and implement comprehensive health promotion strategies, rigorously evaluate health outcomes, and function both independently and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. He emphasized that, as polyvalent graduate nurses, significant expectations rest on their shoulders to drive positive change in healthcare delivery.
Unique Nursing Education in Nigeria
In her address, Associate Professor Chinyere Regina Nwufo, Head of the Department of Nursing Science at GUU, highlighted the unique structure of nursing education in Nigeria. She noted that students typically graduate with three or four professional certifications within an intensive five-year academic programme. "They obtain the Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN) certificates—where applicable—and the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) degree," she explained.
Professor Nwufo detailed that the nursing curriculum is exceptionally rigorous, meticulously designed to meet the demands of multiple professional board examinations. This makes the programme challenging for both students and lecturers alike. Lecturers not only deliver classroom instruction but also provide hands-on supervision during clinical postings in healthcare facilities. The department ensures thorough preparation for all relevant professional board examinations as well as the university degree examinations leading to the award of the BNSc.
Leadership Charges and Professional Expectations
The Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Mr. Okechukwu Gregory Ibe, told the inductees that by choosing nursing, they have essentially chosen humanity itself. He emphasized that today's healthcare landscape demands strong character and ethical integrity alongside clinical competence. Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, urged them to go forth as compassionate healers, representing the pride of the university and serving as beacons of hope for Nigeria's health sector.
Professor Cele Njoku, the Vice-Chancellor, reminded the graduates that the nursing profession requires not only technical knowledge and clinical skills but also deep compassion, unwavering integrity, and genuine humility. "The world needs healthcare professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic—those who can understand the unspoken language behind every illness," she stated, adding that their professional oath signifies a solemn commitment to these ideals.
Professor Felix Erondu, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, tasked the graduates with upholding and advancing the strong foundation laid by the institution. He noted that their professional conduct and ethical behavior will significantly shape the reputation and future of the nursing programme at GUU.
Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Soft Skills
Delivering a guest lecture at the event, Dr. Nneka Juliet Nnamdi, a Senior Lecturer at Abia State University, Uturu, elaborated on the importance of critical thinking in nursing practice. She described it as the ability to analyze complex information, assess patient conditions accurately, interpret clinical data, prioritize care effectively, and anticipate potential complications proactively.
"In a world where healthcare consumers are increasingly informed and empowered, patient satisfaction is not merely a byproduct—it is a direct measure of our professionalism, empathy, and clinical competence," Dr. Nnamdi asserted. She emphasized that developing robust soft skills alongside strong clinical governance leads to improved health outcomes, stronger therapeutic patient relationships, and safer healthcare environments overall.
Dr. Nnamdi recommended that healthcare institutions systematically incorporate soft skills training into nursing education curricula. She encouraged nurses to continually improve their communication and interpersonal abilities through ongoing professional development. Additionally, she urged healthcare managers to actively promote patient-centred care models and implement regular evaluation and feedback systems to enhance service quality.
Pathway to Full Practice and Future Opportunities
Speakers at the event also encouraged the new inductees to pursue higher academic degrees in nursing, highlighting the vast career opportunities available both within Nigeria and internationally. However, the Head of Department provided an important clarification regarding practice eligibility. Although the graduates have been formally inducted into the NMCN, they cannot yet practise as fully licensed registered nurses.
They must first complete a mandatory one-year internship programme in an accredited health facility, followed by the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Only after successfully fulfilling these requirements will they receive full licensing to practise independently.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow inductees, the best graduating student, Onyinyechukwu Mbadugha, expressed profound gratitude to the university management, lecturers, and administrative staff for their unwavering support throughout the challenging five-year programme. "Today, we step into a new professional identity. We are no longer just students—we are healthcare professionals, dedicated caregivers, patient advocates, and registered nurses committed to serving humanity," she declared proudly.
