By Enoch Tyulen
The Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences the University of Jos recently conducted the first induction/oath taking ceremony of her newly qualified graduates at the Multipurpose Auditorium, Bauchi Road Campus.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Sabastian Maimako, while addressing the new nurses, urged them to take the opportunity provided them to add value to the Nigerian health sector and to be good ambassadors of the University in the respective areas they find themselves.
The Head of Department, Nursing Sciences Dr. Abraham Dare Ajayi, said this is the first time the Department is conducting an induction ceremony for its grandaunts in compliance with the guidelines of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN) and the policy directives of the Federal Government of Nigeria on University Nursing Education. He urged the grandaunts to continue to maintain the good moral value and professional conduct inculcated in them during the course of their training and for which the products of the University of Jos are known for. He further said a curriculum for a postgraduate degree program in Nursing (i.e. M.Sc and Ph.D.) in Nursing Science is being processed by the postgraduate school for approval. Also, a curriculum for a part-time degree program in Nursing will soon be produced for approval.
Dr. Ajayi appreciated the Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Prof. Simon Yiltok, the Vice Chancellor, staff, students and parents while pledging to do his best to take the Department to greater heights. He presented the 52 inductees who have been found worthy in character and learning to take the oath to the Registrar and Secretary General of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubakar, who was represented by Mrs. Margaret Eze. Before inducting the grandaunts, he admonished them to participate in research managing health system and provide quality services in the nursing profession. As they begin, they must remain under the authority of senior staff and be willing to learn.
They were further admonished to adhere to the code of ethics in the profession and be lifelong learners as the commitment of every nurse is to meet the needs of the sick. He said the harmonized code of ethics for nursing and mid wifery is a good reference material.
The Registrar/Secretary took the inductees through the oath taking in three stages; first is the bow in respect to the University, the Vice Chancellor, and all other staff, parents/guardians/ sponsors, and supporters. Second, the moment was allowed for them to read the oath and be sure of what they were going into and after reciting the oath, they moved on to the last stage where they shook hands with the Vice Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and a representative of the parents.
Awards were presented to the best student in the professional exams in the person of Nurse Ati Awashima and the overall best student went to Nurse Nwanko Ngozi. The class representative, Nurse Eze Chioma Cecilia, welcomed all and appreciated God, the University as a whole for the achievement. She recounted the events including the demise of a colleague of which a minute silence was observed.
Mr. Timnan Miri, who spoke on behalf of the parents, appreciated everybody for the opportunity given to their children to read and said as nurses, they should be exceptional in their profession and urged the University to give some of them the chance to come back and become lecturers.
Dr. O.O Ogundelo gave thanks to all who were present at the occasion and urged the University to construct a separate department for nursing and that more books be provided to enhance learning.
While speaking with UniJos Echo some of the students Udogu Chineye and Dauda Peret expressed great joy and fulfillment despite the stressful nature of the course.
Edited by JM
