ISTH Holds 2nd Matriculation Ceremony, Charges Nursing Students to Uphold Legacy of Compassionate Care

Irrua, Edo State – March 19, 2026

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Prof. Reuben Agbons Eifediyi, has called on newly admitted nursing students to embrace compassion, resilience, and professional excellence as they begin their journey in healthcare.

Delivering a keynote address at the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony of the College of Nursing Sciences, ISTH, Prof. Eifediyi described nursing as a “sacred trust” and urged the matriculants to see their admission not merely as an academic pursuit, but as a commitment to humanity.

Speaking on the theme, “Carriers of the Torch: Heirs to a Legacy of Care,” the CMD emphasized the critical role nurses play in patient care, noting that while technology and medicine continue to evolve, empathy and human connection remain irreplaceable.

“In a few years, one of you will be the calm in a storm for a mother in labor, a source of reassurance for accident victims, or a comforting voice in a patient’s final moments. That is not just a job—it is a calling,” he said.

He reminded the students that they are inheritors of a legacy built by pioneers of the institution and are now responsible for sustaining its culture of excellence and compassion. According to him, the values and reputation of the college must be protected and advanced by the new generation of healthcare professionals.

Prof. Eifediyi acknowledged the academic and emotional challenges ahead, urging students to remain focused on their purpose. “You are not here for a certificate. You are here to master the art of saving lives,” he stated, encouraging them to cultivate curiosity, discipline, and empathy throughout their training.

Highlighting the unique role of nurses, he noted that beyond clinical procedures, nurses provide emotional support that significantly impacts patient recovery. “Medicine may heal the body, but only a nurse can truly heal the spirit,” he added.

The CMD further urged the students to adopt a patient-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond medical charts to the human beings behind them. He encouraged them to be observant, compassionate, and proactive in delivering care.

Referencing the contributions of Florence Nightingale, he called on the students to replace fear with courage and doubt with determination, stressing the importance of teamwork and peer support throughout their training.

Drawing from over three decades of medical practice, Prof. Eifediyi underscored that success in the profession requires both the courage to begin and the perseverance to finish. He charged the students to remain steadfast, especially during challenging moments, and to always remember the lives that will depend on their expertise and care.

“You carry the name of this institution. You are its ambassadors. The pioneers built its reputation; you are here to uphold it,” he said.

The CMD used the occasion to express appreciation to key stakeholders for their continued support to the institution and Nigeria’s health sector. He thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, for his support to ISTH and the broader healthcare system.

He also commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on strengthening the health sector across the country.

Prof. Eifediyi further lauded the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, for his developmental strides, especially in healthcare, and for his continued support to ISTH as a critical medical institution in the state.

He extended gratitude to the special guests of honour who graced the occasion, including Sylvester Aigboboh, Edo State APC Deputy Chairman; Lucky Eseigbe, House of Representatives hopeful for Esan Central, Esan West, Igueben Federal Constituency; and Tony Okonigene, alongside other dignitaries.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the matriculating students, formally ushering them into the nursing profession and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to training competent and compassionate healthcare providers.

The event concluded with a call for dedication to service, as the CMD encouraged the students to build upon the institution’s legacy and contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
The ceremony ended on a patriotic note with cheers for Nigeria, Edo State, and ISTH.