Cross River State government has pleaded with newly graduated nursing students of University of Calabar (UNICAL) not to migrate abroad.

The government noted that the health sector was in dire need of their expertise.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, made the appeal on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Calabar during the Induction and Oath Taking of the 229 UNICAL graduands into Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Ayuk said many nurses in the state’s service would retire later in the year.

“As you graduate, be assured that Cross River will employ anybody who comes as doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, etc.

“Please don’t ‘japa’, we are encouraged by what the nursing profession can offer; it is the pillar of our well-being.

“Don’t be scared of working anywhere; abide by the ethics that govern this profession. We are aware that the condition of service is not that impressive, but we are working on that,” the commissioner said.

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Also speaking, Prof. Florence Obi, the Vice-Chancellor of the university charged the newly inducted nurses to be professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Obi, represented by Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Academic, reminded the graduands that they had been called to serve humanity.

“You are here to take an oath on the ethics that you are going to abide by and anytime you violate the oath, your licence will be taken away from you.

“Nursing is very dear to my heart, go and make us proud and also remember your Alma Mata wherever you go,” Obi said.

Ms Josephine Bassey, Chairperson, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Cross River Chapter, congratulated the graduands and urged them to work hard when they become employed.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to Mr. Madu Onyedikachi who was the best graduand with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.52.

The Star