NMCN Inducts 119 Bowen University Nursing Graduates Into the Profession
FNA NEWS, 28th Of September, 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has inducted 119 graduating Nursing Science students of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, into the nursing profession for the 2026 academic session.
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The induction, held recently, marked the seventh nursing induction ceremony organised by Bowen University since the commencement of its Nursing Science programme in 2015.
The graduating set, described by the university as “The Overcomers,” completed years of academic work, clinical postings, examinations and professional preparation before being formally inducted into the profession. Bowen University also identified three graduates for outstanding academic performance: Ifeoluwa Satoye, who emerged as the overall best graduating nurse; Mariam Adekunle, who placed second; and Jesufolakunmi Alao, who placed third.
From students to professionals
Speaking at the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Professor Deborah Esan, described the induction as an important transition from student life to professional responsibility.
According to Esan, the students’ education extended beyond lectures, examinations and clinical postings. Their training also exposed them to working with people, accepting responsibility, responding to corrections and caring for vulnerable patients.
“As you enter the profession, remember that nursing is not only about what you know or what you can do. It is also about how you treat people and the decisions you make when you are entrusted with their care.”
She urged the new nurses to combine confidence with caution, compassion with professionalism and a willingness to continue learning throughout their careers.
The Provost of Bowen University’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Oluwafemi Awotunde, described the 119 graduates as the institution’s seventh graduating set and said they had demonstrated excellence, discipline and resilience during their training.
Nursing in the age of artificial intelligence
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Beyond the celebration of graduation, the ceremony also focused on one of the major issues increasingly shaping healthcare: artificial intelligence and digital technology.
The guest lecturer, Professor Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe, delivered a lecture titled “Human at the Core, Innovation at the Edge: Advancing Clinical Excellence and Compassionate Care in the Digital Age.”
He emphasised emotional intelligence, empathy, cultural understanding and meaningful connections with patients as essential components of nursing practice.
While recognising the potential of artificial intelligence to support data-driven healthcare, Anyebe stressed that technology should not replace the human dimensions of nursing care.
He also highlighted potential risks associated with relying on AI in clinical environments, including the possibility of systems generating false information and the risk of healthcare professionals becoming overly focused on screens and digital data rather than the patient.
For nursing, the distinction is significant: technology may assist with information and decision-support processes, but professional accountability, empathy and therapeutic relationships remain human responsibilities.
A reminder that graduation is not the end
Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Jonathan Babalola, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue developing their knowledge after completing their academic programme.
He urged the new nurses not to become complacent after graduation, but to remain attentive to developments within the profession and continue learning.
He also encouraged them to place themselves in the position of their patients, saying this could contribute to more effective patient care.
The ceremony also featured a contribution from the outgoing student association, which donated a 10KVA single-phase petrol generator valued at ₦1.79 million to the Faculty of Nursing Sciences.
For the 119 inductees, the ceremony represents more than the completion of a university programme. It marks their formal entry into a profession where clinical knowledge, ethical responsibility, continuous learning and compassionate patient care will increasingly define their work.
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Durowoju Abisola is a registered nurse, nurse writer and On-Air Correspondent at Fellow Nurses Africa (FNA), passionate about nursing leadership, health education and advocacy.
Through journalism, storytelling and content creation, she amplifies important conversations around nursing, healthcare and the experiences of nurses in Nigeria. She is committed to using her voice and professional knowledge to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and inspire the next generation of nurses.
