Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has praised Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for driving the rapid growth of the College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Onicha-Uku, describing the effort as a clear testament to people-focused leadership and commitment to healthcare development.
The commendation came on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, at the College’s second matriculation ceremony, held inside a newly built 1,000-capacity auditorium donated by Elumelu.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Chris Osekwe, the governor said the institution, located in Onicha-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, has become a strategic pillar for healthcare advancement and human capital development in Delta State.
He assured that his administration would tackle the institution’s challenges with lasting solutions, reaffirming a broader commitment to strengthening healthcare education across the state. He also charged the newly admitted students to uphold discipline, dedication, and excellence in their academic journey, describing nursing as a noble and life-saving profession.
In his remarks, Elumelu thanked the management and stakeholders for building what he described as a budding centre of excellence, while urging the students to embrace humility, resilience, integrity, and compassion.
He disclosed that additional infrastructure, including hostel accommodation, has been approved by the Niger Delta Development Commission to improve the learning environment. He also commended the state government for approving the reconstruction of the Issele-Uku–Onicha-Uku Road, noting that work would commence soon.
Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, also lauded Elumelu’s grassroots impact, noting that his sustained interventions have continued to attract development to the constituency.
Acting Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Omo Ekene, challenged the students to embrace discipline, lifelong learning, and service to humanity, stressing that their training would soon translate into real contributions to healthcare delivery.
He aligned the institution’s efforts with the health component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, revealing that the College is on track to produce its first set of graduates within a year.
Dr. Ekene praised Elumelu’s intervention and commitment for transforming the facility from a primary health centre into a full-fledged College of Nursing Sciences offering nursing and midwifery programmes, describing it as “a shining example of purposeful leadership.”
He further announced plans to establish a College Health Centre in Onicha-Uku to serve students and surrounding communities.
The Provost of the College, in her welcome address, described the ceremony as a major milestone, revealing that the institution now has 349 students across nursing, midwifery, and post-basic neonatal programmes, even as she acknowledged growing infrastructure needs.
Traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Agbogidi Obi Ezidibue Nkebakwu III, emphasized the role of discipline and community support in advancing healthcare, while an inaugural lecture on Artificial Intelligence in nursing by Elizabeth Oyibocha spotlighted the future of technology-driven healthcare delivery.
The ceremony climaxed with the administration of the matriculation oath, formally ushering the students into the academic and professional fold—underscoring the College’s rising profile as a key driver of healthcare training in Delta State.
Facebook Comments
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings