The College of Nursing Sciences, Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ogbomoso, celebrated a major milestone on Friday, 25th April 2025, as it held its 1st Matriculation Ceremony, officially welcoming 122 pioneer students. into its nursing programs.
The event, held at the CONSO Auditorium, was graced by academic staff, heads of departments, distinguished guests, parents, and well-wishers. The ceremony began with a colorful academic procession led by members of the College's leadership team, creating a vibrant and dignified atmosphere for the historic occasion.
Opening the ceremony, the Chaplain of Bowen University Teaching Hospital offered a heartfelt prayer, setting a solemn and hopeful tone. This was followed by the official declaration of the ceremony open by the College Registrar, Mrs. O.T. Alagbe.
The Provost of the College, Mr. Ogunlowo S. O., warmly welcomed all attendees, emphasizing the historic significance of the day. In his address, he highlighted the College’s commitment to producing highly skilled, disciplined, and morally upright nurses. He further noted the introduction of the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) nursing programs, pointing out the numerous benefits they would offer to the students.
Mr. Ogunlowo described nursing as a sacred calling requiring discipline, humility, and a teachable spirit, encouraging students to make full use of the resources provided and quoting Florence Nightingale to inspire a spirit of resilience. He expressed deep appreciation to parents for entrusting their children's education to the College, assuring them that their wards were in capable hands.
The Chairman of the College Management Committee and Chief Medical Director of BUTH, Professor S. A. Adegoke, also addressed the gathering. He congratulated the students and urged them to seize the opportunity with diligence, excellence, and discipline. Professor Adegoke encouraged students to collaborate in study groups and assured them of the management’s unwavering support in their academic and spiritual growth.
The Head of Nursing Services, Mrs. Alagbe C.A., delivered a stirring goodwill message. She reminded the matriculants that nursing is a calling of compassion and service to humanity. She emphasized the importance of self-discipline, warned against distractions such as excessive phone use, and urged students to uphold the core values of nursing —
care, humility, service, and excellence.
A particularly inspiring moment came when
Associate Professor Dr. Y.T. Olasinde (CMAC) shared with the students the "secret of success," focusing on discipline. He explained discipline not as punishment, but as a
necessary character trait
for personal and professional excellence. He emphasized time management, respect for authority, punctuality, and collaboration as critical aspects of a successful nursing career, encouraging students to seek divine guidance as they progress in their journey.
In the spirit of celebration and dedication,
parents offered special prayers for their children,
committing them into God’s hands. This was followed by a
father in the Lord offering a special prayer
for the students, reinforcing the College’s commitment to both academic and spiritual excellence.
The provost later
officially declared the matriculation ceremony closed,
followed by a
vote of thanks
appreciating all guests and participants for making the event a success. The ceremony ended with
closing hymns and prayers,
as the congregation committed the students’ future into God's hands.
Although some dignitaries such as Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, and Reverend Dr. Israel Adelani Àkànjí, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, could not be physically present, their support and goodwill were duly acknowledged.
Other key dignitaries present included:
Mr. A.O. Oladipupo, College Bursar
Mr. S.O. Oladejo, Director of Administration
Dr. Oluwafemi O. Oyewusi, DCMAC
Heads of Departments (HODs)
The day will surely be remembered as a historic foundation for a future of excellence at the College of Nursing Sciences, BUTH, Ogbomoso.
From the Table of the College Management:
We congratulate our pioneer students on this historic achievement. May your journey through nursing education be marked by excellence, discipline, and compassion. The future of healthcare begins with you, and we are proud to walk this path with you.
Published By: Sys Admin, Date Posted: 26 Apr, 2025