AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, Vice-Chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo (AUO), has advised the newly inducted nursing graduates of the institution to embrace innovation responsibly, leveraging knowledge and technology to improve healthcare delivery without losing compassion.
Professor Okeniyi gave the advice during the university’s Third Nursing Science Induction and Award Ceremony, where 31 Nursing Science graduates were formally inducted into the profession.
In a similar vein, the President and Founder of Atiba University, Dr James Adesokan Ojebode, admonished the inductees never to compromise their integrity, describing character as a nurse’s greatest asset on the occasion.
In his address during the ceremony themed, ‘Nursing in a Dynamic World: Innovation, Integrity and Impact,’ the VC reminded the inductees that their success was a product of discipline, sacrifice, intellectual rigour and character formation, urging them to uphold integrity in their professional conduct.
The Vice-Chancellor said, “Your journey to this day has not been accidental. This ceremony confirms that you are now prepared to assume a greater responsibility, preserving life, restoring hope and defending human dignity.”
“As you take your oath and wear your uniform, remember that your attire represents credibility and confidence. Every action you take will reflect not only on you, but on your profession, your university and the healthcare system at large. Let integrity guide your decisions, especially when no one is watching,” he added.
Prof. Okeniyi described nursing as a dynamic profession shaped by global health challenges, technological advancement and evolving community needs, stressing that modern nurses must combine clinical competence with innovation, ethical decision-making and meaningful impact.
“At Atiba University, we have deliberately positioned ourselves as a forward-looking institution committed to excellence in health sciences education. Through rigorous academic training, state-of-the-art simulation facilities and quality clinical attachments, we have prepared you for the realities of contemporary nursing practice,” he said.
Dr Ojebode, in his speech, said, “Your certificate may open doors, but your character will keep them open. Be honest in your practice, disciplined in your conduct and respectful to patients, colleagues and authorities. The trust placed in you as nurses is earned daily not by words, but by actions.”
He emphasised that “Nursing is about service before self, compassion before comfort and responsibility before recognition. Today, you are being entrusted with something sacred, the care of human lives.”
The Prof. urged the inductees to fear God, respect human life, remain humble and hardworking, and to use their knowledge to heal rather than harm.
“Wherever you find yourselves, in Nigeria or beyond, let your work speak of excellence, kindness and responsibility. Let people say, ‘This nurse was trained with values.’ Be proud ambassadors of Atiba University Oyo and leave every place better than you met it,” he added.
Oladipupo Esther Bukola, who emerged as the overall best graduating Nursing Science student, was honoured.
Prof. Okeniyi used the occasion to announce that Atiba University has received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence several postgraduate programmes, including postgraduate degrees in Nursing.
According to him, the approved programmes include Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Accounting; PGD and M.Sc. Business Administration; PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. Public Administration; M.Sc. Nursing; PGD, M.Sc. and Ph.D. Computer Science; MBA Business Administration; M.Sc. and Ph.D. Political Science; M.Sc. and Ph.D. International Relations; M.Sc. and Ph.D. Economics; M.Sc. and Ph.D. Sociology; as well as M.A. and Ph.D. English.
“This landmark achievement reflects the confidence of regulatory authorities in our academic capacity, faculty strength and infrastructural readiness. It also affirms our commitment to advancing nursing education, research and professional leadership, while providing clear pathways for career progression and lifelong learning for our graduates,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The event also featured appreciation of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for its role in regulating and administering the nursing profession.
