Comrade Eddy Egbara (PhD), the Provost, College of Nursing Science and Health Technology, Nsukka (CNSHTN), Enugu State, has reminded newly admitted students of the college that future belongs to innovators, ethical leaders, problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
Egbara said this in Nsukka on Thursday during the institution’s 28th Matriculation Ceremony in which 307 new students were admitted into various programmes of the college.
He said that, in this era of rapid technological advancement, success requires a blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a strong moral compass in order to impact positively to the society.
“Dear matriculating students, you are entering the college at a time of rapid technological advancement and global transformation, where future belongs to innovators, ethical leaders, problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
“Let your years here prepare you not only for employment but to be job creators, seek not just to earn a living but to make a positive impact on the society.
“Remember, the habit you form in your first semester will shape your academic trajectory,”he said.
The Provost advised the freshmen to be disciplined with their time knowing that any time lost can never be recovered.
“Balance your academics with useful extracurricular activities. Take care of your mental and physical health, avoid all form of anti-social behaviours.
“As you take the matriculation oath today, reflect deeply on its meaning. It is more than words recited; it is a declaration of responsibility.
“Pursue excellence relentlessly, cultivate good character alongside competence, and build meaningful relationships and networks that will impact your life positively” he advised.
The Provost commended the State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah for his unwavering support and vision for the advancement of education in the state and the college in particular.
He noted that Mbah administration’s sustained intervention in infrastructural renewal and funding has made the institution to scale through accreditation of its programmes.
“On behalf of the management, staff and students I express our profound appreciation, I assured you that the college shall continue to justify the confidence reposed in us through academic excellence, accountability and responsible stewardship.
“The college also appreciate the Commissioner of Education, Prof Ndubuisi Mbah and the Commissioner of Health Prof George Ugwu for their enemous contributions especially as it concerns the college.
“As an institution, we have continued to expand our academic programmes, strengthen research outputs and contribute meaningfully to community development.
” Our students population has grown steadily over the past few years, reflecting both increased access to higher education and public confidence in our programmes,” he said.
The Provost however, solicited for more attention in terms of infrastructures explaining that existing infrastructures originally meant for a much smaller students population now requires expansion to maintain high standard of teaching and learning .
“Increased enrollments have created demand for additional lecture halls, laboratory space, hostel accommodation, modern learning facilities among others,”, the Provost said.
In a remark, Prof. Loretta Chika Ukwuaba, the immediate past Governing Council chairman of the college urged the newly matriculated students to always give special attention to their studies being the main reason why they were given admission.
“Pay serious attention to your studies so that you graduate with excellent grade that will make your families and the society to be proud of you.
“Engage only in extra-curricular activities that will have positive impacts on your life.
“If work hard, in future you can be a professor as I am today, like you started in college of Nursing, I started in College of Education and today I am a professor, so you can be professor in future,” she admonished.
Some matriculated students interviewed by our correspondent thanked God who made it possible for them to secure admission at College of Nursing Science and Health Technology, Nsukka.
They promised to study hard so as to make good result on graduation in order to justify their parents huge financial investment in their education.
Chief Onyema Idoko, former Nsukka LG Chairman who represented Chief Jude Asogwa the present Chairman of Nsukka LG was among dignitaries present.
The highlight of the event was taking of matriculation vow by newly admitted students.