By Dr. Fortune Obikwere
There was excitement and celebration at Christopher University, Mowe, OgunState, from June 8 to 10, 2026, as the maiden edition of the University’s Nursing Students’ Week came to a successful and colourful conclusion.
The event featured a strong call on student nurses to be proactive in acquiring knowledge and to develop a broader understanding of the nursing profession. Speakers emphasized that nurses are much more than bedside care givers who administer medications and dress wounds. They described nurses as educators, advocates, counsellors, researchers, community mobilisers, and agents of social change who often have a deeper understanding of societal challenges because of their close interaction with people and communities.
Our correspondent, Fortune Obikwere, who covered the event, reports that several distinguished resource persons delivered lectures on various aspects of nursing and professional development. The key note address was presented by Dr.(Mrs.) Sherifat Aminu, Director of Nursing Services, Ogun State Ministry of Health, on the topic,“The Myths of the Nursing Profession.” Other speakers included Dr. (Mrs.) Dorcas Shonibare, former Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, who spoke on “Developing Confidence and Clinical Competencies as a Student Nurse.” Dr. Olaifo Clement Ayo and Ms. Gloria Fortune delivered presentations on
entrepreneurship, while Hon. Bajo Kike addressed participants on“ Nurses in Leadership:
Inspiring Future Politicians for Better Healthcare and National Development,” among other topics.
In her key note address, Dr. Sherifat Aminu highlighted the vast opportunities available within the nursing profession, noting that nurses can excel as directors, policy makers, entrepreneurs, advocates, and educators. She observed that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence presents new opportunities for enhancing nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
While acknowledging clinical pressures and workplace burnout as significant challenges facing nurses, Dr. Aminu advised students to prioritize their mental health, manage their time effectively, learn from mistakes, maintain strong support systems, and embrace collaborative learning. She also stressed the importance of prayer, describing nursing as a dynamic, rewarding, and transformative profession.
Speaking on leadership and politics, Hon. Bajo Kike stated that nurses possess qualities that make them effective political leaders. According to her, compassion, discipline, patience, attentiveness, diligence, and commitment to humanity are traits that naturally position nurses for leadership roles.
She encouraged students not to allow fear or stereotypes to limit their ambitions. Instead, she urged them to participate actively in student associations, community development initiatives, health campaigns, debates, and volunteer activities. She further emphasized the importance of communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking, integrity, and courage, describing these attributes as essential components of both nursing and political leadership.
In an interview with our correspondent, the Head of the Department of Nursing, Nurse Victoria Nwosu, expressed delight at the success of the maiden Nursing Students’ Week and the quality of presentations delivered by the invited speakers.
“It is the first Nursing Students’ Week at Christopher University, and I thank God that it was a huge success. My students were excited and proud of the event, and everyone, including the University Management, is happy,” she said.
Advising the students, Nurse Nwosu encouraged them to remain patient, caring, and tolerant in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
“Nursing is an evolving and dynamic profession. You must continue learning and improving yourself throughout your career.I am happy, the students are happy, and the Management is happy. I feel fulfilled,” she added.
Also speaking, the Dean of the School of Allied and Health Sciences, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinedum Oparaugo, commended the organisers for the successful execution of the programme and praised the resource persons for delivering insightful presentations that aligned with the theme of the week, “Nursing as It Is.”
Dr. Oparaugo noted that nursing is a profession that directly impacts human lives and therefore demands a high level of competence and responsibility.
“Nurses require extensive knowledge, courage, and the ability to apply what they have learned in practice.This seminar will help students build confidence and embrace the profession with greater commitment,” she said.
She urged students to take their studies seriously and pay close attention to both the theoretical and practical aspects of their training.
Also speaking at the event, the Matron of the University Clinic, Matron Concilia Obikwere, commended the Department of Nursing, Christopher University, for successfully organizing the programme. She also expressed appreciation to the guest speakers for their insightful presentations and valuable contributions. According to her, the programme would significantly enhance the students’ understanding of the nursing profession and better prepare them for their future roles as healthcare practitioners.
The President of the Christopher University Nursing Students Association, Mr. Bright Tochukwu Ubabuko, also expressed gratitude for the success of the event.
“The programme was highly enlightening and impactful for us as student nurses. I am grateful to God for making this Nursing Week a reality at Christopher University. I learned a great deal from the presentations,” he said.
According to him, nursing is not merely a profession but a calling dedicated to caring for humanity. He described the guest speakers as exceptional and commended them for sharing valuable insights with the students.
Mr.Ubabuko also urged his fellow students to remain united and focused on achieving their goals.
“My advice to my colleagues is that we remain united and work together to achieve great things. We must be consistent and committed if we are to realise our dreams,” he said.
He further prayed for continued blessings upon the Chancellor of Christopher University, Chief (Dr.) Ikechi Eze (OFR), as well as the University Management, staff, and students, expressing optimism that the institution would continue its pursuit of global recognition and excellence.
A major highlight of the event was a courtesy visit by the organisers and guest speakers to the Principal Officers and Management of the University. They were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ngozika Marian Mbajiorgu, the Registrar, Barr. Aloysius Udeoke, the Bursar, Mr. Chinedu Eze, and the University Librarian, Mrs. Ogechi Agu, among other university officials.
