By Godfred A. Polkuu
Zuarungu (U/E), Oct. 28, GNA – The Nursing and Midwifery Training College (NMTC) at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region, has admitted a total of 481 students for the 2024/2025 academic year.
A total of 366 out of the qualified number were females and 115 males, with 200 out of the number offering Registered General Nursing programme, while 101 and 180 offered Registered Midwifery and Registered Nurse Assistant Clinical programmes respectively.
Mr Michael Yidana Mantamia, the Principal of the College, who disclosed this at a matriculation ceremony for the fresh students, told them to realize and internalize the fact that they were in the College to learn and become professional nurses and midwives.
“You are advised to always let that be at the back of your mind in everything you do. Many people have passed through this institution and are great people now. You can be one of them, but it depends on how you use your time here,” Mr Mantamia said.
He reminded the fresh students that they were individually admitted and would complete as such and asked them to be “mindful about how you allow yourself to be influenced.”
Mr Mantamia said the journey ahead of them would not be smooth, “Failures will come, and challenges will come as well as frustrations. Just put them in a growth perspective and move on.
“Do not expect a rosy period in this school, but in the end, I assure you that you will smile by the grace of God,” the principal said.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper East Regional Minister, urged the students to comfort themselves and abide by the rules and regulations of the College as contained in their matriculation oath.
He entreated them to make effective use of the opportunities that would be offered to them throughout their respective courses of study on campus.
He said the College by practice would treat them as adults and matured students, and would expect them to behave as such, “Your level of independence and discretion should be exercised with a lot of caution and sense of purpose. Your conduct must therefore be always guarded,” he told them.
The Minister noted that the nursing and midwifery professions were a calling with profound responsibilities, standards and strong sense of public service that required selflessness, compassion, empathy, and commitment to the well-being of others.
He said their training was, therefore, tailored to equip them with the skills needed to meet the needs of the noble and ever-evolving professions that touched on the very essence of human life.
“You must be very privileged to be part of this institution that has over the years trained well-rounded and highly qualified health professionals in the region and beyond. It is therefore imperative that you remain focused and avoid all forms of acts that would distract you from your studies,” Alhaji Dr Salih advised.
Dr Justice Agyenim Boateng, the Head of Affiliations of the University of Cape Coast, said the nursing and midwifery professions were indeed noble, and required compassion, dedication, and expertise, as nurses and midwives played vital roles in the health and well-being of the populace.
Mr Bernard Anankor, the Regional Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, advised the students against substance abuse, betting and other negative influences that could affect their academic fortunes, and further advised them not to leave the country but stay and work after training.
GNA