By Charles Igwe
In a remarkable series of accomplishments, the College of Nursing Sciences at St. Charles Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, has attained two significant milestones, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in healthcare education.
The first of these achievements is the recent approval granted by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to initiate a Diploma program at the college. The approval followed a meticulous accreditation visit by NBTE officials from October 19 to October 22, 2023. The delegation, led by Alhaji Musa Ishael Tankwo, Director of the Monotechnic Department, included key figures such as Prince (Dr.) Murtala Aliyu Sakwa, Director of the Nursing Department, and Alhaji Musa Garuba, Coordinator of Monotechnics.
The rigorous inspection covered various aspects, including structural facilities, classrooms, laboratories, the library, administrative offices, and student hostels. Additionally, officials scrutinized the institution’s documents, assessing the authority to conduct nursing training, student enrollment, academic materials, and instructional materials.
Following the inspection, the staff remained optimistic about receiving approval, a hope that materialized on October 30, 2023, when the National Board for Technical Education officially granted permission for the commencement of the Diploma program. This approval marked a pivotal moment for the college, prompting a shift in the admission process.
Previously, the college admitted students through its entrance exams and interviews. With the NBTE approval, the college will now require candidates to undergo the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations for admission. Successful candidates will pursue the program, leading to the award of a National Diploma after three years of training. Subsequently, a two-year program will qualify candidates for a Higher National Diploma (HND) degree in Nursing and a nursing operating license.
The second triumph for the college came in the form of outstanding performance in the Nursing Council Examinations held from November 7 to November 10, 2023. Out of the 47 graduating students presented for the examinations, the institution achieved a remarkable cumulative score of 96%, attaining a pedestal of distinction in academics.
Rev. Fr. Fidelis Chukwunonso Nwanze, the Administrator of the college, expressed elation at these remarkable accomplishments. He credited the success to the grace of God and extended gratitude to the college’s proprietor, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of the diocese, for his inspirational leadership. Fr. Nwanze also acknowledged the contribution of the archdiocesan vice chancellor, the health councilor of the archdiocese, and the college administration, including Provost Mrs. Theresa Aniedu Obi-Odinukwe.
More so, he lauded the skilled and diligent academic staff of the institution who through their dedication to teaching the students right have contributed to this series of academic exploits and achievements. According to him, the staff sacrifice a lot to ensure that the college churns out nurses who are moulded in the vision and culture of excellence which the archdiocese of Onitsha embodies.
Fr. Nwanze further recognized the collaborative effort of all who contributed to the success of the 47 students in the Nursing Council Examinations. In conclusion, he expressed blessings upon the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and all individuals of goodwill within the archdiocese and the college, emphasizing their continued commitment to training brilliant and industrious nurses.
