How Penicillin Changed Medicine Forever

…As Iyienu College of Nursing Sciences Matriculates 326

By Uzo Ugwunze / Chidimma Okoye

 

The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, has urged newly admitted student nurses and midwives to shine as lights during and after their academic journey in the noble profession of healthcare.

Speaking at the College of Nursing Sciences, Iyienu, during the 44th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2023/2024 Nursing and Midwifery students, Bishop Nwokolo reminded the students of the faith-based institution to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who described Christians as the light of the world.

"Matthew 5:16 says, 'Let your light so shine.' You are called to be nurses, caregivers, attending to the sick and people with various challenges—do it with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a call to preach and heal, just like Jesus. Help people to stop weeping. I pray that you continue to shine as you uphold the tenets of the nursing profession and remain focused as Christians," Nwokolo said.

In her address, the Provost, Mrs. Ngozi Nduka, reminded the students that nursing is a noble and vital profession dedicated to improving human life and the well-being of society.

"Your decision to join this profession reflects your commitment to compassion, excellence, and the desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. The curriculum is designed not only to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge but also to instill in you the values of care, dignity, and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their circumstances," she said.

Mrs. Nduka encouraged the student nurses and midwives to take their relationship with God seriously, adding that the college has zero tolerance for sexual immorality, drug use and abuse, examination malpractice, and other social vices.

The Director of Administration, University on the Niger Teaching Hospital, Iyienu, Rev. Stanley Nonso Anene, whose wife, Mercy Nzube Anene, was among the matriculants, advised the students to remember the legacy that Iyienu Mission Hospital stands for and to uphold the light entrusted to them.

"This college has consistently excelled in the final professional qualifying examinations of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria in Anambra State and beyond. The college achieved a 100 percent pass rate in the most recent results released in September 2024 (for Midwifery) and November 2024 (for Nursing)," he stated.

Earlier, the keynote speaker, Dr. Justina Okoli, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for students, patients, and individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"Healthy living means choosing nutritious foods from all food groups, such as cereals, tubers, meat, fish, poultry, milk, fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding excessive food intake," she explained.

She highlighted the benefits of adequate nutrition, including promoting good health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, aiding in illness recovery, enhancing energy, strength, and cognitive functions, improving physical appearance and reproductive health, reducing stress, and supporting mental wellness.

Dr. Okoli also warned of the dangers of malnutrition, which manifests as undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger), leading to conditions such as stunted growth, anemia, obesity, and even death.

Contributing to the discussion, the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, Anambra State, Mrs. Goodness Ogbonna, urged students to take the keynote lecture on nutrition seriously, stressing that without adequate nutrition, their brains would struggle to assimilate what they learn in the college.

Meanwhile, a matriculant from Batch B 2023, Mrs. Madu Obiageli Caroline, expressed her joy at being among the 326 student nurses and midwives who were officially capped. She said that becoming a nurse had always been her dream and passion.

"I love the nursing profession because nurses are humane. I did not choose this profession just because it is lucrative, but because I want to receive quality education and training from a reputable institution on how to save lives and care for people's health," she said.

The ceremony featured several highlights, including the procession of the Lady with the Lamp, the capping of students, the administration of matriculation vows, and the cutting of the matriculation cake.

Dignitaries present at the event included the College Supervisor, Dr. Elsie Nwokolo (Mama Niger), Ven. Ikechukwu Ihentuge, the Hospital Chaplain, Rev. C. Ogbuji, the Acting Registrar of the College, Kingsley Okoli, the Head of the Department of Nursing, Mrs. Nwogo Ekwugha, and the Head of the Department of Midwifery, Mrs. Kosy Okoyeocha, among others.