The Provost highlights urgent need for hostel, library, bus, skills centre as stakeholders stress discipline and innovation
The College of Nursing Sciences, Eku, Delta State, has matriculated a new set of students for the 2025/2026 academic session, using the occasion to call for urgent infrastructure expansion to meet accreditation standards and sustain its growing academic programmes.
The ceremony, held at the college auditorium on Wednesday, attracted health sector officials, community leaders, parents, lecturers and students. It featured a matriculation lecture, presentation of academic awards, and induction of distinguished individuals into the institution’s Hall of Fame.
In her address, the Provost, Dr. (Mrs.) Bassey Gloria E., described the event as a milestone in the college’s development, noting that it marks the institution’s second matriculation ceremony and its first under a new framework in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.
She expressed optimism about the college’s growth but emphasized the urgent need for critical facilities to meet accreditation requirements. According to her, the institution requires a 500-capacity hostel, a 32-seater bus for field trips, a modern library with a seating capacity of at least 120 students, and a dedicated skills acquisition and procedure demonstration centre.
Dr. Bassey noted that the current library accommodates only 32 students, which is inadequate for the increasing student population.
Despite these challenges, she highlighted recent achievements, including the installation of streetlights, activation of the college website, introduction of online course registration, improved academic performance, upgrade of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, expansion of the water project, provision of solar power by the Students’ Union Government, and establishment of a mini-market.
The provost commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, for their continued support, while also appreciating the contributions of the Eku community, alumni and other stakeholders.
Delivering the matriculation lecture, the Functional Director of Nursing Services at the Delta State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Okuyade Atake, charged the students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence in clinical practice.
Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Nursing Excellence in Clinical Practice Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” she stressed that modern nursing requires not only compassion but also critical thinking, digital competence, leadership skills and commitment to continuous learning.
She encouraged the students to leverage digital health tools such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, while also developing problem-solving and management skills necessary for today’s healthcare environment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Prince Obiku Morrison West, urged the students to uphold discipline and moral conduct, warning against cultism and drug abuse.
He described nursing as a noble profession and advised the matriculants to remain dedicated to their studies through diligence, regular class attendance and adherence to ethical standards.
West also called on lecturers to combine academic teaching with moral guidance and cautioned parents and political leaders against undue interference in academic processes.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding students and the induction of notable individuals into the college’s Hall of Fame, adding prestige to the ceremony.
For the newly admitted students, the matriculation marked the beginning of their journey into a demanding but rewarding profession. For the institution, it served as a renewed call for investment to strengthen its capacity as a leading centre for nursing education in Delta State.
