by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
University of Jos (UNIJOS) has recently inducted 139 newly-qualified graduate Nurses, who have been charged to “uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, prioritize patient safety, respect autonomy, and maintain confidentiality.”
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, disclosed this on Thursday at the 7th Induction Oath-taking ceremony of Nurses at the University Multipurpose Auditorium, Jos Campus.
He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, adding that, medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving, and they must keep up with new developments to provide the best care possible.
According to him, “In the healthcare system, there are many professionals doctors, dentists, medical laboratory scientists, and others. You are not working in isolation but as part of a team. Understanding this will help you contribute meaningfully to patient care.
“Most importantly, always approach your patients with empathy and a genuine desire to ease their pain. This is why I shared that story. Patients may not always remember the names of their doctors, but they remember their nurses. The kindness and care you show will leave a lasting impact,” he urged.
The VC extolled that, “As you begin your journey as professional nurses, I encourage you to stay committed, keep learning, and serve with integrity. The future holds great opportunities for you, and I have no doubt that you will make a difference in the healthcare sector.
“As you take the oath, remember that you are not just receiving a title but stepping into a calling, but one that demands compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.
“As a university, we have done what we can to provide the right environment for your training. We have put in place infrastructure, facilities and, most importantly, the human resources needed to guide you through the journey of becoming professional nurses. We have demonstrated our commitment to ensuring you have what it takes to succeed,” he stressed.
Prof. Ishaya noted thus: “Of course, expectations are high – not just from the university but from the country; the significance of the nursing profession cannot be overemphasized. You are often the first and continuous point of contact for patients, providing comfort and ensuring that their needs are met throughout their healthcare journey.”
The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr. Ndagi Alhasan, who was represented by the Dr. Aliyu Adamu, congratulated the new graduates for the successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing Science program at the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, Plateau State.
He acknowledged their dedication academically, morally, and financially, which has led to the successful completion of your training in this institution, saying, “Your enthusiasm, diligence, and hard work have brought you this far.
“As you undergraduate studies and embark on your professional journey, this is a dream-come-true for many of you. I appreciate your practical contributions during clinical practice, where the knowledge you have acquired throughout your training will serve as a foundation for your professional excellence,” he noted.
While urging the new nurses to remain steadfast in the path they have chosen, Dr. Alhassan added that, “The future is bright, and success will surely come, with strong commitment and unwavering faith in God.
“The formal induction ceremony that officially welcomes you into the nursing profession requires that, by taking the Nursing Oath, you are being inducted into this noble profession and, henceforth, you will be addressed as Registered Nurses, RN. This marks the beginning of your professional career, and much is expected of you as polyvalent graduate nurses,” he said.
The NMCN Registrar stressed that, “The Bachelor of Nursing Science degree program is a rigorous and high-standard educational program designed to equip nurses with the necessary knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competence to provide safe and efficient healthcare services.
“This program is both academic and professional, aimed at improving the quality of nursing services in Nigeria by empowering nurses to make sound nursing diagnoses, design appropriate nursing care plans, implement and evaluate nursing care holistically and comprehensively.
“As graduate nurses, you must be able to perform nursing skills across diverse healthcare settings and you will therapeutically assist individuals, families, and communities with different backgrounds, religions, cultures, beliefs, and social statuses in resolving health challenges.
“To this end, you must understand the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of nursing, as well as the psychosocial and physical factors involved in alleviating suffering, promoting health, and restoring well-being.
“You must also be able to function independently and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals in any healthcare setting. Your ability to develop, initiate, implement, and evaluate health promotion strategies will be essential in achieving positive health outcomes,” he added.
“However, the reality is that you will not immediately master all these responsibilities upon starting your professional practice. Therefore, I encourage you to learn from experienced colleagues, accept corrections positively, improve where necessary, and strive to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
“As you begin your internship, I urge you to apply all the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout your training. Strive for excellence and work towards becoming seasoned professional nurses that society will be proud of,” he stated.
Dr Alhassan also encouraged them, saying, “You should explore opportunities for further learning, acquire new skills, and enhance your professional skills,” and urged the new graduates that, “Pursuing higher degrees in nursing will open doors to numerous opportunities, both within Nigeria and internationally.
“Above all, always uphold the ethics of the profession – demonstrate humility and honesty, and maintain professionalism in all your engagements,” he said.