The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, held its 27th convocation ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 469 students who completed their academic and professional training in nursing and midwifery. The milestone event reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to producing highly skilled health professionals to boost Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
Speaking at the well-attended convocation in Ibadan, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Chairperson of the Governing Council, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, emphasized that the state remains steadfast in its resolve to build a strong healthcare workforce. She noted that the graduates had received training in a top-tier institution with a national reputation for academic excellence and discipline.
“This ceremony represents not just an end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of care and service,” Ajetunmobi said. “The College continues to solidify its reputation for producing excellent nursing professionals equipped to serve our communities with skill and dignity.”
Among the graduates, 31 emerged as best graduating students, with three clinching the prestigious Provost’s Awards for excellence in practicals, nutrition, and conduct. Basic Nursing graduate, Adetunji Shukurat, was named the overall best student, earning accolades for academic distinction and discipline.
Dr. Ajetunmobi highlighted the institution’s role in advancing healthcare development in the state, noting that it remains a critical player in the government’s broader health reform agenda. She added that equipping nurses with not only clinical skills but also ethical and community-oriented values remains a priority.
Adding to the celebration, the wife of the late Alaafin of Oyo and alumna of the College, Queen Abiwumi Owoade, encouraged the graduates to be change agents in the health sector. “Be a trailblazer in this noble profession,” she said. “Lead with courage and compassion, and always strive to solve challenges that hinder healthcare delivery.”
Also present was the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Salihu Adelabu, who praised the College for consistently producing competent healthcare professionals. “The College has imprinted its legacy in training gifted hands that position Nigeria on the global map of healthcare,” Adelabu stated.
In her address, the Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for trusting the institution. She also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Alumni Association, led by Global President Gabriel Ajeigbe, in supporting the College’s growth.
“This institution remains a beacon of excellence, producing middle-level manpower that plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system,” Owolabi said.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Provosts from sister institutions such as the Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Catholic College of Nursing, Oke-Offa, Lead City University, and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The convocation was a vibrant mix of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to healthcare development as the state positions itself to address critical manpower shortages in the health sector through sustainable education and training.
As the 469 graduates prepare to embark on professional careers, the Oyo State Government has reiterated its support for continuous improvement in healthcare education and infrastructure across the state.