By Philomina Attah

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has promised continued support to the FCT College of Nursing Sciences, Gwagwalada, for training of skilled manpower for the health sector.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat gave the assurance during the college’s matriculation of 246 newly admitted students.

Fasawe, who was represented by Mrs Grace Musa, Director of Nursing Services, FCT Health Management Board, said that the Nyesom Wike-led FCTA was committed to increase investment in the health sector.

She encouraged the matriculating students to study hard and acquire the necessary skills that would enable them to impact the health system.

The Provost of the school, Dr Deborah Yusuf, described the matriculation as a milestone in the college’s journey to train competent and compassionate nurses and midwives for the FCT and Nigeria at large.

Yusuf explained that of the 246 matriculating students,123 were admitted for National Diploma in Nursing while the remaining 123 were admitted for Basic Midwifery.

“You have chosen one of the best professions globally, one that embodies compassion, intellect, integrity, and empathy.

“You should, therefore, uphold academic integrity, discipline, and teamwork,” she said.

She warned the students that plagiarism and negligence have no place in the school saying, “nursing is not just a career, but a calling to serve humanity with diligence and love”.

She appealed to the FCT Administration to extend its ongoing infrastructural transformation to the college, noting that it remains the only government owned health institution dedicated to training nurses and midwives in the FCT.

Also speaking, Mr Jema Medan, Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, FCT Council, urged the National Assembly to fast track the law establishing the college to give it legal backing.

The chairman congratulated the new students and commended the FCT Administration for appointing principal officers for the College. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba