‘Please, don’t japa’ — Cross River begs graduates of nursing school

The Cross River government has appealed to the new graduates of the nursing department of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) not to migrate abroad.

Speaking on Wednesday during the induction and oath-taking of the 229 graduands into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Henry Ayuk, the commissioner for health, said the health sector was in dire need of more hands as many nurses in the state’s service would retire later in the year.

The commissioner urged the new intakes to abide by the ethics of the profession.

“As you graduate, be assured that Cross River will employ anybody who comes as doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists,” Ayuk said.

“Please don’t ‘japa’; we are encouraged by what the nursing profession can offer. It is the pillar of our well-being.

“Don’t be scared of working anywhere; abide by the ethics that govern this profession. We are aware that the condition of service is not that impressive, but we are working on that.”

Speaking, Florence Obi, the vice-chancellor of the university, charged the newly inducted nurses to discharge their duties professionally.

Obi, who was represented by Angela Oyo-Ita, the deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) academic, reminded the graduands of their duty to serve humanity.

“You are here to take an oath on the ethics that you are going to abide by and anytime you violate the oath, your license will be taken away from you,” Obi said.

“Nursing is very dear to my heart. Go and make us proud and also remember your Alma Mata wherever you go.”

Josephine Bassey, the chairperson, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, (NANNM), Cross River chapter, congratulated the graduands and charged them to work hard when they become employed.