Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were among dignitaries who paid tributes to the Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery at the 70 years anniversary of the institution.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ajimobi, who was represented at the event held in Ibadan on Thursday by his deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, described the attainment of 70 by the institution as historic.
Ajimobi said his administration had done its best for the college and prayed that the next administration would continue to support the institution to attain degree awarding status.
“Nursing is a noble profession and so all the workers should be people of nobility.
“Do whatever you can do to make your patients happy. God will give you the energy, strength and knowledge to achieve this,” he said.
Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the state’s Commissioner of Health and Chairman, Governing Board of the college, said the present administration had done a lot to improve the institution and healthcare in the state.
“About two years ago, we launched the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, we created the endowment fund from where we refurbished this college.
“We hope the next administration will continue with the fund to further improve health care in the state.
“Malaria, which is one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria, has been brought down from 99 per cent to 43 per cent in the state,” Adeduntan said.
The Alaafin, in his good will message, commended the school for attaining greater heights.
“Nursing profession is an important part of the overall health care team in Nigeria.
“It is a lucrative profession here and overseas; our founding fathers saw the need to establish this school.
“At that time, we had free education, free healthcare services and integrated rural development and employment.
“All of us should be proud of this institution,” Adeyemi said.
Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, urged nurses to be passionate in taking care of their patients.
“I pray the college will attain world class standard,” he said.
Mrs Gbonjubola Owolabi, the Provost of the college, appreciated the Ajimobi administration for the support given to move the school forward.
She, however, noted that more needed to be done to upgrade the college into a degree awarding institution.
“The college will need to secure the approval of the National Universities Commission and this will entail provision of infrastructure and appointment of lecturers in different capacities,’’ she said.
“Also, I humbly wish to solicit for the reintroduction of employment offer for student nurse GL 04 for our upcoming nursing students.
“This will not only make them responsible but it will enhance their academic performance,” Owolabi said.
