Graduating students of Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences have been charged to seek for self-development, pursue further education and engage in research.

        Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, gave the advice while speaking during the first combined convocation ceremony of the College, at the Tele-Medicine Hall, Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, saying healthcare system in the country had provided the foundation upon which the graduands would build their careers.

        Dr. Coker emphasised the need to embrace new technologies and methodologies to nurture their skills for future endeavours, noting that the graduates from the College were among the best in the country, while highlighting their brilliance, innovation, and unwavering professional dedication.

        "As Nurses and Midwives, you are the backbone of our healthcare system. Your role is critical, not only in providing care but in leading change, advocating for patients and driving improvements in health outcomes. The knowledge and skills you have acquired are invaluable", she said.

The Commissioner expressed her gratitude to the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his unwavering support to strengthening healthcare and commitment to ensuring that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approved the accreditation of all state-owned Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as their transition to the current collegiate system.

      The guest speaker, Head of Nursing Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Dr. Oluwabusolami Atekoja, who spoke on the theme, "Expanding Horizon, Retaining Brilliance: Computing Brain Drain At The Dawn Of A New Era", said Nurses should be treated with utmost care, describing them as the pillar of the healthcare system.

     Remarking, Provost of the College, Dr. Omotade Sodimu, pointed out that the school had significantly contributed to the development of education in the health sector and remains one of the oldest tertiary institutions in the state.

         In her reaction, the Best Graduating Student, Miss Busola Yakub, urged her colleagues to use their knowledge, skills and experience to make a difference and change the world for the better.

       "We must use our knowledge and skills to break down barriers, challenge the status quo and drive innovation. We must be the leaders, thinkers and problem-solvers that our world needs”, she said.