In a remarkable celebration of academic achievement and commitment to quality healthcare, the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, held its second induction and oath-taking ceremony for registered Dental Nurses on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
The ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Simi Johnson Hall of the College, marked the official recognition of 120 Dental Oral-health Nursing graduands by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which inducted the fresh graduands.
As the event commenced, the College Rector, Prof. John Emaimo, warmly congratulated the graduands on their induction, referring to them as a testament to the institution’s unwavering dedication to manpower development in the health sector.
In his welcome address, Prof. Emaimo urged the new inductees to uphold the high professional standards and exceptional qualities instilled in them throughout their education, thus ensuring the continued success of the institution.
Also, in a stirring address, chairman of the event, Prof. Felix Chukwuneke, emphasised the pivotal role of nurses in clinical work, referring to them as the bedrock of patient care.
Prof. Chukwuneke praised the commitment and dedication exhibited by the essential healthcare providers. Acknowledging their significant presence throughout patients’ journeys to recovery, he hailed the nurses as rare gems in the medical profession and urged the new inductees to make nursing in Nigeria a profession worthy of emulation.
Speaking on behalf of the Dental Nursing Department, the Head of Department, Dr. Ismaila Danjuma Mohammed, who doubles as the National President, Association of Registered Dental Oral Health Nursing, highlighted the significance of the induction ceremony, stating that it officially certifies and licenses the graduands to practice nursing in Nigeria and beyond.
Commending the graduating students for their remarkable performance and unwavering determination to achieve their dreams, Dr. Mohammed thanked the parents for their support in fulfilling the students’ needs.
He also expressed profound gratitude to the Rector, Prof. Emaimo, for unwavering belief and support throughout their journey, as well as the dedicated lecturers, clinical instructors, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the graduands.
For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Health, Mr. Boniface Onumadu, encouraged the Dental Nurses to strive for excellence on the professional field. Recognising that dental nurses were a scarce resource, Mr. Onumadu urged the graduands to soar high and distinguish themselves in their practice, becoming an inspiration to aspiring dental healthcare providers.
Adding profound insights to the occasion, the keynote speaker, Dr. Nwodo from the University of Nigeria, Unsukka (UNN), delivered a captivating speech on the theme of ‘Nursing ethics as a tool for effective management of dental patients’.
Dr. Nwodo emphasised the nurses’ responsibility to fulfil their promises to patients with sincerity and honesty, fostering acceptance of their care. By adhering to ethical standards, he emphasised that healing would be accelerated, ensuring efficient and effective patient care.
During the remarkable ceremony, the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Nnachi Michael Ekuma, delivered an inspiring speech to the inductees into the Dental Nursing Council.
With a firm and unwavering tone, Comrade Ekuma charged the new dental nurses to uphold the high training standards they have received. He emphasised the importance of being exemplary in their conduct and professional practice, urging them to be role models in every aspect of their lives.
Adding to the words of encouragement, the Enugu State chairman of NANNM, Dr. Ezekiel Omeh, and the Director of Nursing Services in the State, Mrs. Igweagu Josephine Chinenye, congratulated the graduands on their achievements.
Dr. Omeh urged them to carry the torch of their alma mater with pride and to be paragons of excellence in their respective institutions and workplaces, while Mrs. Chinenye echoed the same sentiments, emphasising the significance of representing the institution and the profession with integrity and dedication.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, instilling in the new Dental Nurses a sense of purpose and responsibility. With the support of NANNM and the guidance of their esteemed leaders, the inductees will undoubtedly go on to fulfill their duties with distinction, ensuring the continued growth and recognition of the nursing profession in Nigeria.
The event was graced by many esteemed personalities, including representatives of the Rector, Dr. Alofe, and guest speaker Dr. Nwodo from the University of Nigeria. Additionally, the presence of Dr. Ezekiel, Mrs. Roseline Ngozi Okafor (DSA), Dr. Eke, and Dr. Ojo further highlighted the significance of the induction and oath-taking ceremony.
