Prof. Offiong Offiong, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), says nursing is not merely a career but a call to serve humanity with empathy, compassion, and accountability across communities nationwide.
Offiong spoke at the 12th induction and oath-taking ceremony for Nursing Science graduands on Monday in Calabar, stressing professional responsibility and dedication to high standards of healthcare service delivery.
Represented by Prof. Ekaette Enang, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Offiong emphasized that nursing places compassion at the centre of professional duty, requiring unwavering commitment, resilience, and integrity in every aspect of practice.
He explained that nurses show up daily for people at their most vulnerable moments, offering care that goes beyond routine medical procedures to include emotional support, reassurance, and steadfast presence.
“Nurses do more than administer medication; they listen, comfort, reassure, and stand beside patients in moments of fear and pain, becoming pillars of strength within families and communities,” he said.
He charged the inductees to uphold patience, emotional strength, and deep responsibility for human life, stressing that the profession demands dedication and a willingness to provide quality care even when unrecognized.
Offiong added that service in nursing is measured not only by tasks completed but by lives touched and dignity preserved. He also appreciated the staff and parents for supporting the graduands.
The Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Ngim Ngim, congratulated the graduands on completing rigorous professional training and urged them to uphold ethics and serve compassionately.
Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Prof. Nelson Osuchukwu, encouraged the new nurses to maintain strong work ethics and uphold professional values throughout their careers.
The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Alhassan Ndagi, represented by Dr. Emmanuel Udoncra, urged the inductees to embrace emerging healthcare trends while remaining respectful.
