Mbah Tasks Nursing Graduates on Excellence as Enugu Deepens Investment in Health Education
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged graduates of the College of Nursing Science and Health Technology, Nsukka (CNSHTN), to be exemplary ambassadors of the institution and the state as they advance into the healthcare sector.
Speaking in Nsukka at the college’s maiden convocation—where 264 students received National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, and professional certificate, Mbah encouraged the graduands to embody compassion, discipline and excellence in their practice.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, the governor described the ceremony as both a celebration of academic accomplishment and a call to service.
“This ceremony is not only a celebration of academics but also a milestone and call to service. I encourage you to go forth as good ambassadors and agents of change, being compassionate, disciplined, and committed to excellence,” he said.
Mbah noted that his administration had approved the procurement of additional classroom seats to address infrastructure gaps, as well as the renovation of a building at Nsukka General Hospital for the college’s Nursing Department.
He reiterated his administration’s investment in the health sector, which he said has made Enugu the preferred destination for many health workers due to competitive wages.
“I commend the leadership of this great college – the Provost, Governing Council, management team and staff for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Your dedication to quality training, discipline and innovation has positioned this institution as a growing centre of excellence in nursing and allied health education”, he added.
The governor disclosed that, since 2023, the state has placed the college on regular monthly subvention to ensure smooth academic and administrative operations. He also highlighted reforms across other health training institutions, including the upgrade and full re-accreditation of the ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane School of Nursing and the Awgu School of Midwifery.
According to him, ongoing investments at the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, are part of a strategic effort to boost medical education, strengthen the healthcare workforce and curb the effects of the ‘Japa syndrome’.
“Enugu State aims to become a leading hub for producing world-class healthcare professionals”, he assured.
Mbah congratulated the graduands for their diligence and resilience, urging them to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in their careers. He also commended parents and guardians for supporting their wards.
Chairman of the College Governing Council, Prof. Loretta Ukwuaba, said the institution remains committed to producing competent health professionals, attributing its progress to Governor Mbah’s support and the collective effort of the council, management and staff. She noted recent upgrades to laboratories and training centres.
Provost of the college, Dr Eddy Egbara, traced the institution’s history from its establishment in 1976 as a School of Public Health to its elevation to a college on February 10, 2023. He expressed gratitude to the governor for sustained support, including monthly subventions, procurement of classroom seats, and approval for key renovations.
Egbara listed the college’s achievements, including growth in student population from 485 to 720, establishment of four new programmes – Pharmacy Technology, Public Health Technology, Medical Imaging (X-ray) Technology, and Epidemiology and Disease Control as well as securing full accreditation for Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW and JCHEW).
The hall erupted in cheers when Prof. Ugwu announced that all challenges highlighted by the Provost had been captured in the 2026 Enugu State budget recently presented to the House of Assembly.
He urged the graduands to see their convocation not as an end but as a launching pad for greater achievement.
“Go forth and make a difference. Uphold your profession and bring honour to this institution wherever you go”, he said.
The convocation also featured a keynote lecture by Prof. Rufina Ayogu of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, titled “Building Healthier Communities: Integrating Character, Courage and Commitment”. Awards of excellence were presented to distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their various fields.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
