The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan College of Nursing Sciences, Oluyoro, held its maiden matriculation ceremony for students of the National Diploma (ND) Nursing Programme on Wednesday, 11th March 2026.

The historic event marked the formal admission of the pioneer cohort of ND Nursing students into the college. The ceremony featured an academic procession, welcome addresses, a matriculation lecture, oath-taking, and goodwill messages from representatives of key healthcare and educational institutions.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Prof. Beatrice Ohaeri, described the occasion as a landmark moment for the institution and charged the students to uphold discipline, moral values, and academic excellence in their pursuit of the nursing profession.

The Provost, Dr. Modupeola Oyesiji, congratulated the newly admitted students and emphasized that nursing is both a profession and a vocation that requires compassion, integrity, dedication, and commitment to service. She encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies and clinical training while adhering strictly to the rules and ethical standards of the profession.

The matriculation lecture, titled “Nursing: The Past, Present and Future,” was delivered by Prof. Prisca O. Adejumo, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, and presented on her behalf by Dr. Iyanuoluwa Ojo. The lecture highlighted the evolution of the nursing profession, its current challenges, and emerging opportunities driven by technological advancements such as telehealth, artificial intelligence, and digital health systems.

Following the lecture, the students were formally presented by the Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Lucia Ojewale, after which they took the matriculation oath administered by the Registrar, Mrs. Fisayo Aladesiun.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the College of Nursing Sciences, University College Hospital, and Johnvents Group.

The Special Address was delivered by the Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami, representing the Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin. He encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the values of the nursing profession.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of pride and celebration as the college welcomed its first cohort of ND Nursing students, marking a significant step in the institution’s mission to train competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.