Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has assured jobs to 229 nursing and midwifery graduates in the state, urging them not to look for greener pastures abroad.
The commissioner said the most important challenge facing the state is human resource management, stressing that most nurses will retire in August, which is why the government is ready to provide jobs.
“Please don’t japa. We’re encouraged by what the nursing profession can offer. It is the pillar of our well-being. We currently have four Colleges of Nursing, come and work for us.”
“We have a new Governor, he is a sweet governor. I know with the current administration, things will change. Nurses don’t beg for jobs, jobs beg for them. We are aware that the condition of service is not very good, we’re working on that. When you graduate, be assured that Cross River State will employ anybody who comes in, whether Doctors, Nurses, Medical laboratory scientists etc.
Also speaking at the 10th University of Calabar, UNICAL Nursing Graduate Oath/Induction Ceremony held at UNICAL International Convention Center, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Obi said this was the first time in the department’s history that 229 graduates were inducted.
Obi who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, DVC Academic, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, said the 229 inductees cut across two sessions, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, adding that “This is the second time in the history of the Faculty of Nursing that a student has graduated with First Class and it is a feat that has not been accomplished before.
“Today, I am proud of the Department of Nursing Sciences – no backlogs, and as you know, this administration doesn’t tolerate backlogs. Results are approved within 24 hours. This induction is certain that other departments will follow suit – that students worthy of graduation should not be held behind.
You’re called to serve the helpless but that doesn’t mean they’re voiceless. “You’re here to take an oath on the ethics that you’re going to abide by, anytime you violate the oath, your licence will be taken away from you”, she said.
On his part, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, UNICAL, Prof. Ngim Ngim, in his goodwill message, reminded graduates that “As you step out into the world, be guided by the principles and code of ethics of your profession as exemplified by Florence Nightingale. You’re a critical stakeholder in the health team who is expected to be closest to the patient to give care and succour, and comfort the vulnerable.”
One of the graduates, Comr. Madu Ezra Onyedikachi graduated with First Class with a CGPA of 4.52 and was awarded the Best All-round Nurse. He also received other numerous awards, including Best NUNSA President in Leadership award, Best Graduating Student Provost Award, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) award for Best All-round Nurse.