Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, for his transformative contributions to the growth of the College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, as the institution held its second matriculation ceremony.
The governor gave the commendation on Tuesday at the event held in the newly constructed 1,000-capacity auditorium donated by Elumelu in Onicha-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, describing the lawmaker’s efforts as a reflection of selfless service and commitment to the well-being of the people.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chris Osekwe, Oborevwori noted that the institution plays a vital role in healthcare advancement and human capital development, assuring that his administration would address existing challenges and strengthen healthcare education in line with its development priorities.
He congratulated the newly admitted students, describing nursing as a noble profession, and urged them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies.
In his remarks, Elumelu expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the College for building a centre of excellence in healthcare training. He encouraged the matriculating students to uphold values of humility, resilience, integrity and compassion, describing them as future lifesavers.
The lawmaker also assured of continued support for the institution, disclosing that additional infrastructure, including hostel projects, had been approved by the Niger Delta Development Commission, while commending the state government for approving the reconstruction of the Issele-Uku–Onicha-Uku Road.
Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, lauded Elumelu’s commitment to grassroots development, noting that his interventions have continued to attract growth to the constituency.
Earlier, Acting Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Omo Ekene, charged the students to embrace discipline, lifelong learning and dedication to service, stressing that they would soon begin clinical postings where they would contribute to healthcare delivery.
He acknowledged Elumelu’s role in transforming the facility from a primary health centre into a full-fledged College of Nursing Sciences offering nursing and midwifery programmes, describing it as a testament to purposeful leadership.
The Provost of the College disclosed that the institution currently has a student population of 349, including post-basic neonatal nurses, student nurses and midwives, while highlighting the need for more infrastructure to match its rapid growth.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, Agbogidi Obi Ezidibue Nkebakwu III, emphasised the importance of education, discipline and community support in advancing healthcare delivery.
An inaugural lecture on Artificial Intelligence in Nursing was delivered by Elizabeth Oyibocha, highlighting the growing role of technology in modern healthcare practice.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath, formally admitting the students into the academic and professional community, as the institution continues to position itself as a centre of excellence in healthcare training.
