Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode (KWCONOO), on Wednesday, 13th May, 2026 recorded another significant milestone in its institutional advancement as it formally matriculated its 2025/2026 National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) Nursing students during an impressive ceremony held at the University of Ilorin Hall, Mini Campus, Ilorin.
The occasion marked the formal induction of the College’s second cohort admitted through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) into its fully accredited ND/HND Nursing Programme and attracted top government officials, academic leaders, healthcare professionals, parents, guardians, and distinguished guests.
Representing the Supervising Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe, Mrs Okunade Abisola H., Deputy Director of Tertiary Health, Ministry of Tertiary Education, reaffirmed the Kwara State Government’s steadfast commitment to strengthening tertiary education and professional healthcare training.
In the address, the Commissioner praised the Management and staff of the College for their remarkable dedication in transforming the institution into a centre of excellence, noting that its growth continues to contribute significantly to nursing education development within Kwara State and across Nigeria.
He further acknowledged the pivotal role of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose sustained financial support, commitment to security, and strategic intervention in the College’s accreditation process with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria have positioned the institution as a fully accredited citadel of learning.
Addressing the matriculating students, the Commissioner emphasised the enduring significance of the professional oath they were to undertake, describing it as a lifelong commitment to ethical practice, discipline, and service to humanity. He urged them to uphold the ethics of the nursing profession with diligence and unwavering dedication throughout their careers.
In his opening remarks, the Provost of the College, Alhaji Olanrewaju Lamidi AbdulQuadri, described the matriculation as a historic development that reflects the College’s unyielding pursuit of academic excellence, professional competence, and international relevance.
He explained that the institution’s successful integration into the national ND/HND Nursing Programme followed accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education in line with federal reforms designed to modernise nursing education.
The Provost highlighted the College’s rigorous admission benchmark, which requires candidates to attain a minimum JAMB score of 180, a deliberate quality assurance measure intended to produce intellectually sound, professionally competent, and globally competitive nursing graduates.
He charged the newly admitted students to recognise their admission as a privilege earned through merit and determination, urging them to maintain discipline, pursue scholarly excellence, develop strong moral values, and strategically position themselves for global opportunities within the nursing profession.
Delivering the keynote lecture on the theme, “Dream Big, Start Early: Positioning Yourself for Global Opportunities in the Nursing Profession,” Professor Joel A. Afolayan inspired the students to embrace nursing as a global vocation with limitless possibilities in healthcare leadership, research, public health, education, mental health, entrepreneurship, and international service.
Professor Afolayan stressed that modern nursing extends far beyond local practice and encouraged the students to begin early in preparing themselves for international relevance through academic distinction, technological competence, ethical professionalism, effective communication, and continuous personal development.
He reminded the students that perseverance remains central to professional success and urged them not to abandon their aspirations despite inevitable academic and personal challenges.
Also addressing the gathering, the ND/HND 2025/2026 Set Coordinator, Mrs Oluyinka O. Oyewole, lauded the matriculating students, known as the “Unique Set,” for consistently demonstrating resilience, discipline, unity, and a commendable commitment to excellence.
She encouraged the students to sustain these admirable qualities throughout their academic journey, noting that their uniqueness must be reflected in professional distinction, positive societal impact, and adherence to the ethical values of nursing.
In separate goodwill messages, Dr. Yusuf, Provost, College of Nursing, Ilorin; Dr. Aina, Provost, Heart Savers College of Nursing; Dr Kadir; Mr Afolayan; representative from University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH); representative of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Hajia Jelilat Onowola, and representatives of parents and guardians of the matriculating students all congratulated the students and their families on their successful admission.
They collectively urged the students to remain hardworking, faithful, disciplined, and courteous throughout their academic journey, stressing the importance of maintaining professional etiquette and moral integrity as future healthcare practitioners.
They admonished the students not to squander the sacrifices and financial commitments of their parents and guardians, reminding them that accountability, dedication, and perseverance would define their success. Prayers were also offered for divine mercy, wisdom, and successful completion of their academic pursuits.
In his vote of thanks, the College Bursar, Alhaji Mohammed Zakari, expressed profound appreciation to all invited guests, government representatives, institutional stakeholders, parents, guardians, and students for honouring the occasion with their presence and support. He wished the matriculating students success, excellence, and fulfilment throughout their educational and professional journey.
As the matriculating students formally took their oath, the ceremony symbolised not merely their admission into an academic institution, but their formal entry into one of the world’s most honourable and essential professions.
The successful event, which also included short drama display and capping & stripping, further reinforced Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode’s position as a leading institution committed to producing future-ready nursing professionals equipped with the knowledge, ethics, resilience, and global competence required to transform healthcare systems in Nigeria and beyond.
