The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. (Comrade) Warri Ovoke Friday, has pledged full support for the Mary-Martha College of Nursing Sciences, Oleh. This came during a courtesy visit by the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation and verification team on Monday.
The council chairman expressed excitement over the visit, describing it as a timely intervention to address the glaring shortage of qualified health personnel in the region. While receiving the high-powered delegation from the NUC at the council secretariat in Oleh, Warri emphasized that the establishment of the nursing college by the Anglican Diocese of Oleh, in affiliation with Niger Delta University, is a major leap toward bridging the healthcare education gap in Isoko land.
According to him, Isoko has long been underserved in the area of medical education, and the commissioning of the Mary-Martha College of Nursing Sciences signals a new dawn for the community. Warri noted that the initiative, initially conceived by Bishop John Aruakpor, has grown beyond the vision of the church alone to become a people-driven project now championed by the local government and supported at the state level.
“This nursing school is no longer just a church project, it has become a collective responsibility for our local government and the entire society,” the chairman said. “By God’s grace, we are committed to providing every necessary support to ensure that this institution thrives and produces competent healthcare professionals who will serve our people and beyond.”
The council boss urged the NUC verification team to carry out their assessment with fairness, empathy, and a spirit of encouragement. He highlighted the strategic importance of the institution in closing the medical manpower deficit and called on the team to offer objective recommendations that would guide the local government in further supporting the school.
Related Articles:
- NUC begins verification of degree programs for FUAHSE take-off
- NSCDC plans explosive ordnance threats mitigation training in Anambra
- Two new Lagos varsities get NUC official recognition
In her remarks, Dr. Ekine Frank-Iputu, who led the NUC team, disclosed that their mission was to evaluate the facilities and human resources at Mary-Martha College of Nursing Sciences. She explained that the outcome of their inspection would determine the college’s accreditation status under the commission. Dr. Frank-Iputu, who serves as the Director of Academic Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance at Niger Delta University, assured that the team would conduct a thorough and professional assessment.
She emphasized that the accreditation process, though brief, is critical to strengthening the quality of education in nursing and midwifery, especially within the Isoko region. The team, she added, was also at the chairman’s office to formally notify him of their presence and purpose in the local government.
Other members of the NUC verification team include prominent medical academics and professionals such as Prof. Mildred E. John, Prof. Clementine U. Nwanhew, Mr. Nosayaba Ehigie, Dr. Biokurom Fyremani, and Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Wankesi.
The visit has sparked optimism across Isoko South, with stakeholders viewing the accreditation process as a critical step toward unlocking a new era of healthcare development and academic excellence in the area. As the Mary-Martha College of Nursing Sciences awaits its formal approval, expectations are high that it will become a hub for nurturing skilled and compassionate health workers across Nigeria.
