Vice Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Promise Mebine, has identified nursing students as the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Professor Mebine dropped this hint while receiving nursing students who staged a campus walk to mark the 2026 Nurses Week held on the 12th of May 2026.
He said the students’ commitment and discipline reflected the values needed to strengthen the country’s health sector.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chris Onyema, the Vice Chancellor commended the theme of this year’s 2026 International Nurses Week
celebration with the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
He said the theme was timely and aligned with national healthcare priorities.
The Vice Chancellor urged the students to uphold the messages displayed on their placards, which addressed drug abuse, cultism, healthy living, and the professional role of nurses.
According to him, these values are essential for building a credible nursing profession.
Professor Mebine also noted the growing demand for the Nursing programme at FUO.
He revealed that the faculty has become the most sought-after course among admission seekers at the university.
Providing figures, he said the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board approved only 150 admission slots for the 2026/2027 academic session.
However, the University received over 7,000 applications for the programme.
The Vice Chancellor assured that the university management was taking steps to strengthen the faculty and position it as a centre of excellence for nursing education in Nigeria.
He said investment in facilities and staffing would be prioritised.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Professor Khadijat Toyin Musah, said the procession was organised to highlight the critical role of nurses in society and raise awareness of the profession’s contributions.
As part of the event, Chukwuanu Divine Onyi Onyechukwu was announced as Miss Florence Nightingale 2026.
Professor Musah described her as “the Lady with the Light,” symbolising the compassion and service associated with nursing.
The celebration featured a carnival-like procession from the faculty to the Vice Chancellor’s Building.
It was led by key officials including Dr. Faith Nlumanze the faculty Chairman organising Committee for the 2026 International Nurses Week, Dr. Harry Patricia Acting HOD of Community Health Nursing, NUNSA President Iyobhebhe Gift Christopher, Lawrence Iruo Head of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing.
