The Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences has matriculated 360 pioneer National Diploma (ND) students for its 2024/2025 Academic Session, marking a significant milestone since the institution's transition from a school of nursing to a full-fledged college.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known during the matriculation ceremony at the Telemedicine Hall, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, disclosing that from its inception the present administration had invested in the process of standardising nursing education in the State. She said the state’s commitment had accelerated collegiate status for the institution.

Dr. Coker emphasised that, the students who were the first set admitted through the Joint Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB), would play a crucial role in addressing the nation's healthcare challenges, particularly with the shortage of healthcare professionals caused by brain drain, urging them to embrace their training with discipline, compassion, and a sense of purpose.

She noted that despite the global demand for skilled and empathetic nurses, the matriculants should endeavour to remain committed to transforming healthcare in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, urging them to contribute in creating green pastures in the country rather than looking for new ones abroad.

"This government has played a huge role in raising the bar of nursing education in the State. Every matriculant here today, was selected based on pure merit because we have replaced the era of who you know with that of what you know. Yes, that's because we only want to train nurses that will represent the institution and the State well, anywhere they are practicing in the world," she said.

The Commissioner appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support in securing the accreditation that led to the college’s upgrade, while also commending the faculty and staff for their dedication to nurturing future healthcare professionals.

The Provost of the College, Dr. Jeminat Sodimu, while delivering her matriculation address, emphasised the competitive nature of the admission process, which saw the 360 students selected from over 4,000 applicants from all over Nigeria, urging the students to take pride in their new roles as future healthcare leaders dedicated to compassionate service.

She, however, reminded the students of the College's zero-tolerance policy for truancy, cultism, and other vices, imploring them to maintain high standards of character and learning, while also making hard work their watchword during their academic journey.

In her goodwill message, the State Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Mrs. Adejoke Bello, encouraged the students to cultivate compassion and empathy as they embark on their nursing education, noting that these virtues were essential, as patients would look to them not just for medical care but also emotional support.

Some of the Matriculants, Kazeem-Sulaimon Kanyinsola, Oribamise Michael, and Wahab Adesola, shared their excitement about gaining admission into the institution, pledging to demonstrate commitment and diligence throughout their training.