UNIOSUN VC Charges 98 Newly Inducted Nurses on Compassion, Professional Ethics
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has charged 98 newly inducted nursing graduates to uphold professional ethics, show compassion to patients and maintain high standards in the discharge of their duties.
Adebooye gave the charge at the university’s eighth induction and oath-taking ceremony for nursing graduates, held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic, Research, Innovation and Partnerships), Professor Adetunji Lawrence Kehinde, the vice-chancellor said nurses must combine professional competence with compassion, noting that their conduct could influence patients’ recovery and public confidence in the healthcare system.
He urged the inductees to embrace integrity, discipline and accountability while developing their skills through continuous learning, teamwork, critical thinking and the use of modern technology.
Speaking on behalf of the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the NMCN, Dr Al-Hassan Ndagi, Mrs Chioma Agatha Chigbo advised the new nurses to take their internship seriously and remain willing to learn as they begin their professional careers.
She said nursing requires humility, honesty and discipline, warning that failure to observe professional standards could have serious consequences for patients.
Chigbo also encouraged the graduates to pursue further qualifications and advance their careers without compromising the ethical principles of the profession. She commended their lecturers for the academic and moral guidance they provided during their training.
Delivering the induction lecture, Professor Funmilola Adenike Faremi of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, urged the nurses to treat patients with dignity and provide quality care without discrimination based on religion, social status or cultural background.
She warned against falsifying medical records and other unethical practices, stressing that honesty must remain central to nursing practice.
“You must be a nurse that tells the truth. Do not document what you have not done,” Faremi told the inductees.
She explained that nursing goes beyond routine duties, requiring compassion, professional competence, sound judgment and the ability to apply classroom knowledge to the care of patients.
Faremi urged the new nurses to listen carefully to patients’ complaints, follow established medical procedures and remain objective in their professional decisions.
She also drew attention to challenges facing the profession, including shortages of nursing personnel, the migration of experienced nurses, the growing burden of chronic diseases, delayed access to healthcare, mental health concerns and maternal health challenges.
The lecturer advised the graduates not to allow staff shortages to become an excuse for neglecting their responsibilities. She encouraged them to support and mentor younger colleagues while contributing to efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
The Nursing Elder of the Day, Professor Rasheed Akinade Salawu, congratulated the graduates and commended their parents and guardians for the sacrifices they made to support their education despite prevailing challenges.
He urged the newly inducted nurses to remain diligent and committed to their duties, noting that dedication to patient care and professional excellence would help them build successful careers.
At the ceremony, Fasola Mojolaoluwa Treasure emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student.
Akinyode Priscilla Oluwafolabomi received awards for Best in Leadership and Best in Character, while Lawrence Esther Oluwatomi was recognised as Best in Research.
The university also reaffirmed its commitment to improving nursing education through better laboratory facilities, upgraded equipment, staff development and the provision of current academic resources.
