The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has lauded the Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, for attracting and ensuring the steady growth of the College of Nursing Sciences, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Onicha-Uku, Delta State, describing such as further demonstrating Elumelu’s selfless service and commitment to development and wellbeing of the people.
The Governor gave the commendation on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, during the Second Matriculation Ceremony of the College, held at the newly constructed 1,000-capacity auditorium donated to the institution by Hon. Elumelu.
The Governor noted that the institution sited in Onicha-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State is critical for healthcare advancement and human capital development in the state.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Chris Osekwe, assured that his administration would address the challenges facing the College with a view to providing lasting solutions, while reiterating his government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare education in line with its development priorities.
He congratulated the newly matriculated students and emphasized the nobility of the nursing profession, urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their studies.
In his goodwill remarks, Elumelu, whose bid for re-election into the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election is enjoying a consensual approval across the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency appreciated the management, staff, and stakeholders of the College for their dedication to building a centre of excellence in healthcare training.
He congratulated the matriculating students, describing them as future lifesavers, and encouraged them to embrace humility, empathy, resilience, integrity, prayerfulness, and self-confidence in their academic and professional journey.
He assured the students and management of his continued support, revealing that additional infrastructural developments, including hostel accommodation projects, had been approved by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to further enhance the learning environment. He also commended the State Governor for approving the reconstruction of the Issele-Uku–Onicha-Uku Road, noting that work on the project would soon commence.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, commended Rt. Hon. Elumelu for his unwavering dedication to the growth of the institution, noting that his contributions have continued to attract development to the grassroots.
He particularly appreciated the recent infrastructural support provided to the College, including the facility used for the matriculation ceremony, and expressed optimism that more developmental strides would be recorded for the benefit of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
In his address, the Acting Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Omo Ekene, charged the students to embrace discipline, lifelong learning, service, and dedication to humanity as guiding principles.
“The journey ahead will not always be easy, but take comfort in knowing that many have walked this path before you and are today making significant contributions to saving lives and improving healthcare delivery,” he said.
He noted that FMC Asaba remains committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in improving healthcare outcomes.
“In a few months’ time, these students will begin their clinical postings in the wards, where, in addition to learning, they will also render valuable services. In doing so, they will contribute meaningfully to improving population health outcomes, which is a key component of the President’s health agenda.
“We are also pleased that in another year, we shall be producing our first set of graduates from this College,” he added.
Dr. Ekene further acknowledged the invaluable support of the former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, noting that his commitment to education and human capital development has transformed what was once a primary health centre into a full-fledged College of Nursing Sciences offering programmes in nursing and midwifery.
“This is a shining example of the impact of purposeful leadership and collaboration in advancing education and healthcare,” he said.
He also revealed plans to establish a College Health Centre in Onicha-Uku to serve students, staff, and surrounding communities, in line with the vision of the benefactor, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
In her welcome address, the Provost of the College described the matriculation as a significant milestone, marking the formal admission of the students into the noble profession of nursing and midwifery. She disclosed that the institution currently has a student population of 349, comprising 19 post-basic neonatal nurses, 283 student nurses, and 47 student midwives, noting that the growth has also brought infrastructural challenges.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Ezidibue Nkebakwu III, who emphasized the importance of education, discipline, and community support in advancing healthcare delivery.
An inaugural lecture on Artificial Intelligence in Nursing was presented by Elizabeth Oyibocha, highlighting the role of emerging technologies in modern healthcare practice.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath to the students, formally admitting them into the academic and professional community of the College.
The event underscored the growing importance of the College of Nursing Sciences, FMC Asaba, Onicha-Uku, as a centre of excellence in healthcare training and its vital role in strengthening healthcare delivery in Delta State and beyond.