By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas has described the Taraba State College of Nursing Science, Jalingo as second to none in the country in terms of infrastructure and facilities.
The Governor represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, disclosed this during the 2nd Combined Conviction Ceremony in Jalingo.
He said that the efforts are designed to support training and help students learn effectively.
“We are also encouraged by the progress towards the affiliation of Bachelor of Nursing Science program. This will strengthen the capacity we need for the future of health care in Taraba State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s education sector and supporting the development of tertiary institutions to provide quality education and professional training.
“Education remains central to our administration’s agenda of Moving Forward. Government’s responsibility is not only to establish schools, we must also strengthen them, so they produce graduates who meet the needs of society and raise the standard of service in every sector,” he said.
According to him, Nurses are more than Health Workers.
“You are the first to offer comfort and steady support that patients and families need when life becomes difficult.”
He assured the College community that the state Government recognize the importance of the College.
“We have continued to support improvement in the learning environment including, lecture facilities, equipped laboratories, student accomodations and measure to strength security around the College.”
“You will agree with me that the College is the second to none in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure and facilities,” he said.
He disclosed that the state Government has released funds for the accreditation exercise by the Nursing Council of Nigeria, adding that the Government is aware of the value accreditation and promise to continue supporting the College within available resources.
He charged the graduands to uphold the highest ethical standards, treat every patient with dignity and respect, protect confidentiality, work responsibly with colleagues and healthcare professionals, continue learning and do more than illness, considering their responsibilities as Nurses.
“As Nurses, you will work with people in some of the must vulnerable moments of their lives. So you must do more than treat illness. You must also demonstrate compassion, patience and professionalism.”
He urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the College and the state.
“Let your conduct, competence and integrity bring honour to the College that trained you,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Dr. Mike Dio Jen, in his solidarity address, congratulated the graduands and charged them to become good ambassadors of the College.
“I encouraged you to take advantage of the opportunities provided by your education to continue to improve your professional knowledge and skills, and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector and the development of society,” he said.
The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his continued support for education and tertiary institutions across Taraba State.
In her address, the Provost, Dr. Mrs. Dorcas S. Dugule, expressed appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas for his continued support for the development of the College.
She noted that the administration had contributed significantly to the improvement of infrastructure at the institution, citing the construction of lecture halls, perimeter fencing and other developmental projects as notable interventions.
The Provost congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold the values, discipline and professional standards acquired during their training.
“To our graduands, you have endure sleepless nights, grueling clinical rotations and academic region to stand. You have leave this College not merely as graduates, but as ambassadors of this great College and for the Nursing profession itself.”
She charged them to hold fast to the ethics and professionalism that define Nursing.
“Nursing is not just ah job, but a calling. Threat every patient with dignity, empathy and respect regardless of status, tribe or religion,” she said.
“Guard patient information jealously and do what is right even when no one is watching. Update your knowledge, embrace evidence based practice and remain humble enough to keep learning.”
“Remember, the uniform you wear, carries the reputation of this College and the trust of the people of Taraba State,” she added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Tertiary Education Institutions and Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the state’s tertiary institutions.
“This convocation is a significant academic occasion that formally recognizes the completion of studies while also serving as a launching point for graduates to enter society and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training.”
He commended Governor Agbu Kefas for directing tertiary institutions in the state to address outstanding convocation backlogs.
According to him, the Governor’s directive has resulted in renewed efforts by institutions across the state to conduct their long-overdue ceremonies, some of which had accumulated over many years.
Prof. Bako noted that the College ceremony was the fifth in the series of combined convocations, with Taraba State University expected to hold the sixth. He expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for what he described as his commitment and passion for the development of education, particularly tertiary education.
“I urge you to maintain high professional standards as you begin your careers in the healthcare sector,” he said.
He reminded them that their profession carries a significant responsibility to individuals and society, stressing the importance of discipline, competence, integrity and continuous professional development.
He congratulated the graduands and the College management for the achievement, urging the graduates to go into society as worthy representatives of their institution.