The Faculty of Nursing at the University of Ibadan's College of Medicine produced 13 First Class graduates from a set of 55 inductees on Wednesday, as the Institution formally welcomed a new set of nurses into the profession at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale chaired the ceremony, which was attended by school management, parents, guardians, and friends of the inductees. Provisional licences were administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria's Registrar, Dr Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs Eleanor Nwake, who commended the Institution for the quality of training provided and urged the new nurses to remain open to learning, accept corrections and pursue higher qualifications.

Prof. Adebowale charged the graduates to uphold the reputation of an institution that has produced competent nurses for six decades, citing World Health Organisation data showing a global deficit of 4.5 million nurses. "The world tenaciously needs compassionate nurses," he stated, adding, "You are answering a higher calling as you take your oath today. Be committed to lifelong learning to provide effective care."

He also urged the inductees to prioritise their personal wellbeing, noting that "nursing is demanding. Carry the value with excellence, service and integrity that spell the standard of our great institution."

College Provost, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, congratulated the graduating set, named Tenecia, describing the class name as a blend of tenacity and grace that reflects the set's ability to stand firm with dignity. He acknowledged Nigeria's healthcare challenges, including brain drain and insecurity, but told the graduates that "great nurses are produced by pressure, discipline, and purpose."

Ogundiran urged the inductees not to view their degrees solely as a means to leave the country, but as tools to drive change from wherever they find themselves. He likened Nigeria's healthcare system to a road under construction, telling the graduates they are the builders society needs.

The Provost's award for excellent participation in community life went to Elijah Ugbedeojo in the male category and Samuel Umoh in the female category. Overall best graduating student, Olugbemi Damilola, in her valedictory address, acknowledged that the set endured significant hardship before emerging successfully.