Bingham University presented eleven (11) of its first set of graduate nurses for induction into the nursing profession by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor William Qurix, OFR, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dul Johnson expressed delight on the landmark induction/Oath taking and advised the inductees to be good ambassadors of the University. He added that they should work assiduously towards the improvement of the health sector, noting that Nurses play a key role in the health sector.  He charged them to remain in the country to serve their immediate community.

Earlier, Prof. Musa Dankyau, Provost, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, encouraged the graduates to practice what they have learned, move into the world and do good. According to him, they should have good eyes, to have foresight; they should have big heads so they can think; they should have big hands so they can work with acquired skills, and they should have a big heart to show human feelings and help the profession. 

In a paper presentation by the former Registrar,  Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and Secretary General, West African College of Nursing (WACN), Mr. Philip N. Ndatsu, spoke on “ Nursing Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century: Education, Prospects and Challenges”. He stated that in the world today, entrepreneurship in nursing is critical for the profession’s visibility and consolidation as science because the way nurses participate in the healthcare delivery system of the 21st c is constantly evolving. Nurses provides critical medical services to patients, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of conditions. 

Mr. Ndatsu outlined top qualities to becoming a nurse practitioner such as: the ability to be in control, ability to analyse a situation and know when it’s okay to take a risk, a need for achievement, innovation and ambiguity tolerance. He added that the most effective and intrinsic  motivations for entrepreneurs would include: making a difference in the world, finding personal meaning from building a business, satisfaction of doing something great, personal growth and accomplishment, seeing the real value of one’s belief and helping others achieve their goals.

In conclusion, he highlighted the challenges in becoming a Nurse entrepreneur which includes: self - imposed barriers, your expertise, and types of barriers and fear of failing. He advised the inductees to plan effectively before starting a business.

Mrs.Chinwe Nwaka, representative of the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Faruq Abubakar, administered the Oath to the Nurses, thereafter the Mr. Harvason Pius, the representative of the president, University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGNOSA) inducted the Nurses into the association. 

The Head of Department, Mr. Barry Afoi in the closing remarks thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof William Qurix, Management of the University, the Provost of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Science, the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences and staff of the department for their hard work in ensuring that these graduates achieve this landmark feat. 

Awards were presented to the Nurses who distinguished themselves during their study.