By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The Metropolitan Archbishop of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has urged graduates of the College of Nursing Sciences, St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, to practise the nursing profession with love, compassion and excellence.
Archbishop Okeke gave the charge during the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of the College, held on 12 December 2025, at the institution’s premises in Onitsha, Anambra State.
He described nursing as more than a career, stressing that it is a profound commitment to humanity which demands compassion, selflessness and professionalism, especially in the face of human suffering.
The Archbishop, who is also the Proprietor of the College, further advised the graduands to discharge their duties with prudence, strictly adhere to professional ethics and avoid actions that could jeopardise their licences.
“You are now trained nurses with a Christian foundation. Practise nursing with love and compassion. Translate what you have learnt here into action. You are Christian nurses—let love guide your service,” he advised.
The ceremony began with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Archbishop Okeke and was attended by priests, religious, government officials, parents and guardians, nursing provosts, friends of the College and other dignitaries.
In her welcome address, the Provost of the College, Mrs Theresa Aniedu Obi-Odunukwu, described the convocation as a celebration of dedication, perseverance and academic achievement.
She noted that since its establishment, the College has recorded steady growth in infrastructure, manpower, academic standards and administrative development, adding that its students consistently excel in internal assessments as well as the Nursing and Midwifery Council qualifying examinations.
Mrs Obi-Odunukwu appealed to government, alumni, religious bodies and corporate organisations to partner with the College, particularly in infrastructural development, scholarships, laboratory equipment and digital learning resources.
The College convoked three sets of graduates—2020, 2021 and 2022—and announced the best graduating students as follows: Ubosi Miracle Uchechukwu (2020), Okolo Ogechukwu (2021) and Amadi Lucy Uchechi (2022).
In her appreciation, Lucy Uchechi Amadi, expressed surprise and excitement at her recognition, describing the College as an institution built on education and discipline, adding that diligence and commitment guarantee success.
Similarly, Miracle Uchechukwu Ubosi, represented by her mother, Mrs Rosemary Ubosi Okeke, gave thanks to God and praised the College for its academic and moral standards.
She revealed that her daughter’s outstanding performance at a foreign university prompted inquiries about her alma mater.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kalu William, commended Archbishop Okeke for his immense contributions to the growth of the College and urged the management to sustain its high academic standards.
The College Administrator, Rev. Fr. Fidelis Nwanze, described the Archbishop as a leader with a culture of excellence, attributing the institution’s successes to his visionary leadership.
He also appreciated the presence of guests, priests and religious, particularly the Coordinator of Health Services, Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr Basil Ekwunife, and the Chief Executive Officer of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Rev. Fr. Dr Izunna Okonkwo.
Speaking to journalists, Fr Nwanze said the College has consistently recorded distinctions and first-class results since its inception, assuring that efforts were ongoing to sustain 100 per cent success rate in future examinations.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the graduands.
