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AWKA – The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr Ndagi Alhassan, has commended former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, for his commitment to healthcare education, following the maiden graduation ceremony of the Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka.
Obi, it was who provided N40 million seed money with which the College took advantage of.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Awka Dr Alhassan recalled Obi’s intervention during his tenure as governor when the NMCN considered closing several nursing institutions in Anambra State due to inadequate facilities.
He said Obi appealed for the institutions to remain open and subsequently provided the needed support to address their challenges.
According to him, Obi’s intervention helped transform the institutions, enabling them to meet professional standards and emerge among the best-performing nursing schools in Nigeria.
In recognition of his contributions to health education, the NMCN Registrar presented an award to Obi, noting that Nigeria has become one of the world’s leading suppliers of nursing professionals, alongside India and the Philippines.
Dr Alhassan also praised the Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, describing it as an institution “to reckon with” following the excellent performance of its graduates in professional examinations.
The Provost of the college, Mrs Chisom C. Ezulike, highlighted the significance of the attainment, expressing appreciation to all those whose support contributed to the institution’s establishment and growth.
She disclosed that the initial support provided by Obi served as the seed funding that enabled the college to commence operations successfully, while his subsequent interventions further strengthened the institution and helped make the maiden graduation ceremony possible.
Mrs Ezulike noted that the college’s achievement testify to the impact of strategic investment in education and healthcare, adding that the graduation of the pioneer students represented the fulfilment of a shared vision to produce highly skilled healthcare professionals.
The Proprietor of the college, Archbishop Alexander Ibeziem, also paid tribute to Obi, confirming that the former governor’s initial support played a crucial role in the successful take-off of the institution.
He also expressed appreciation to Senator Victor Umeh for his continued support, particularly his scholarship assistance to many students of the college.
In recognition of his contributions to education and human capital development, Senator Umeh received a special award during the ceremony.
Receiving the award, Senator Umeh commended the management of the institution for maintaining high academic and professional standards and assured the college of his continued support.
Reflecting on the achievement, Obi said the greatest fulfilment comes from seeing a modest investment grow into an institution that transforms lives and strengthens society.
“There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a modest investment blossom into an institution that is transforming lives and strengthening our healthcare system,” Obi said.
He reiterated that countries that prioritise education, healthcare and human capital development are better positioned for sustainable growth and national progress.
The maiden graduation ceremony marked a major event for the institution as 116 pioneer students from the Class of 2025 graduated, with all graduates recording a 100 per cent success rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Professional Examination.
Obi congratulated the graduating class, management, faculty, benefactors and all those whose commitment contributed to the success of the institution, stressing that investment in education and healthcare remains one of the surest pathways to national development#
