The Nursing Department of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, hosted a vibrant sendforth ceremony for its 2024/2025 cohort of Nurse Interns on January 24, 2025, at the Nightingale Hall.
The event opened with an engaging quiz competition, setting the stage for a series of inspiring speeches from departmental leaders. The Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi, welcomed attendees with a heartfelt congratulatory message to the interns.
She urged them to remain committed to their profession and embrace continuous learning, emphasising the importance of advancing their education.
Dr. Abosede Awoseemo, Provost of the College of Nursing Education, recounted the journey toward establishing the internship program and highlighted the weighty responsibility the interns carry as ambassadors of the nursing profession.
She encouraged them to be empathetic caregivers and effective collaborators with other health professionals while striving to elevate the nursing field through competence and innovation. Her words served as a rallying call for the interns to embody the intellectual and emotional depth essential to the nursing profession.
The Unit Head of the Wesley Guild Unit, Mrs. Gladys Oluwasanmi, joined in commending the department’s leadership and applauded the dedication of the nursing mentors who played a pivotal role in the interns’ training.
She reminded the departing interns of the honour and respect inherent in their noble profession, urging them to uphold its standards wherever their careers take them. Other speakers echoed these sentiments, fostering a spirit of gratitude and professional pride among attendees.
In an appreciation session, the Nurse Interns shared heartfelt testimonies about their transformative experiences during the program. They described the internship as an invaluable opportunity for mentorship, skill enhancement, and professional networking. One of the interns, Mr Idowu, expressed gratitude for the platform to broaden his perspective, encapsulating the program’s essence.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Abidemi Fajobi, Head of the Research and Education Program, who celebrated the interns’ remarkable achievements and acknowledged the unwavering dedication of their mentors and leaders. Her words encapsulated the collaborative effort that made the program successful, leaving the audience inspired and motivated.
