The Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON), Yaba, Lagos, in affiliation with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has matriculated the second cohort of students admitted into its Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the NACON College Auditorium, Myhoung Barracks, Yaba, amid pomp and ceremony. The event was attended by members of UNILAG management team, top officials of the Nigerian Army, and key stakeholders in the health and education sectors.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described nursing as both a career and a calling, noting that it requires intellectual rigour, emotional resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.
Professor Ogunsola pointed out global and national workforce gaps in nursing. Citing data from the World Health Organization, she noted that although there are approximately twenty nine (29) million nurses worldwide, an additional four point five (4.5) million nurses will be needed by 2030 to meet healthcare demands.
Emphasizing the value of the training provided, the Professor of Medical Microbiology noted that Nigeria offers relatively affordable access to quality education, with substantial investment in facilities, teaching, and professional development aimed at strengthening the healthcare system. She cautioned students against pursuing the profession solely for financial gain, stressing that its true reward lies in the positive impact made on patients’ lives.
Professor Ogunsola urged the matriculating students to take their studies seriously and embody the core values of the profession. According to her, a competent nurse must be knowledgeable, skilled, compassionate, attentive to patients’ needs, and guided by strong ethical principles, including integrity, confidentiality, and respect for professional boundaries.
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged the students to cultivate discipline, curiosity, and humility, while maintaining respect for lecturers and fostering collaboration with peers. She advised them to remain focused and avoid distractions as they begin their academic journey.
In his remarks, the Commandant of NACON, Lt. Colonel Saheed Oyekanmi Shittu, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality training that upholds the dignity and nobility of the nursing profession. He pointed out that the College is well-positioned to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and discipline required to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery.
The matriculation ceremony marks another milestone in the shared commitment of NACON and UNILAG to producing highly skilled and ethically grounded nursing professionals for Nigeria and beyond.
It will be recalled that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had, in 2023, granted approval to the Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON) to run Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme in affiliation with the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Article: Akinola Afolabi
Photographs: Mr. Samuel Dosumu
