La Vera College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, has held a colourful and memorable matriculation ceremony for students of the 2025/2026 academic session who successfully passed their Preliminary Training Session (PTS) examinations.
The ceremony, held at the College premises, attracted a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, academics, government officials, traditional rulers (including the Traditional Ruler of the host community, HRH Chief Felix Ugwu (Igwe Ezedioranma of Owerre Nsukka), parents, associates, friends and well-wishers of the institution, who came together to celebrate the students as they formally commenced another significant phase of their nursing education.
HRH Chief Felix Ugwu
(Ezedioranma of Owerre Nsukka)
As early as 8:00 a.m., the College premises had come alive as guests began arriving in large numbers for the occasion. By 10:00 a.m., activities commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Obule, Guest Clergy of the La Vera College Catholic Chaplaincy. He was assisted by the College Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Camellius Ugwu.
The Chief Celebrant, Fr. Obule flanked during the Holy Mass by the Chaplain, Fr. Ugwu.
Following the highly celebrated liturgy, the main matriculation ceremony commenced in front of the St. Joseph Marello Hall of the College, under the chairmanship of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Dr. George Ugwu.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the delivery of the matriculation lecture titled:
“NURSING PROFESSIONAL IN THE DIGITAL ERA: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Touch.”
The lecture was delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Nurse Chitoo Stephanie Osuorah Ph.D, who explored the evolving relationship between technology and human-centred nursing care.
Dr. Chitoo Stephanie Osuorah
(Guest Lecturer)
2026 La Vera College of Nursing Sciences, Matriculation lecture.
The highly engaging presentation was warmly applauded by the audience and particularly resonated with the matriculating students, who were reminded of the need to embrace technological advancement while preserving the compassion, empathy and human connection that remain fundamental to the nursing profession.
Another significant moment of the ceremony was the formal administration of the Matriculation Oath to the newly admitted students. The oath was administered by the Deputy Provost of the College, Nurse Anthonia Ugwuanyi, formally ushering the students into the academic community and reinforcing their responsibilities as students of the institution and future healthcare professionals.
The Provost of the College addressing the students
The Founder and Proprietor of the College, High Chief Dr. Sir Anterus C. Eze, was represented at the ceremony by a member of the College’s Governing Board, Hon. Innocent Eze, who delivered the Founder’s keynote address.
In his lesson-filled address, the Founder encouraged the matriculating students to remain committed to academic excellence, discipline, integrity and the values upon which La Vera College was founded.
He also charged the students and the Management of the College to continually uphold and project the ideals of the institution, urging them to “keep the La Vera spirit aflame” in all their endeavours.
The ceremony was further enlivened by spectacular appearances and performances by the two La Vera College cultural troupes.
Their colourful cultural displays and performances provided an entertaining interlude for guests and participants while also showcasing the richness of Nigerian cultural heritage and the College’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural values among its students.
A cross section of guests during the ceremony
At approximately 3:00 p.m., the formal ceremony came to a close with a solemn closing prayer offered by the College Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Camellius Ugwu.
The conclusion of the official programme marked the beginning of a more intimate celebration, as families and loved ones gathered at the La Vera Event Pavilion, adjacent to the College’s main building, for family receptions in honour of the newly matriculated students.
The receptions provided an opportunity for parents, guardians, relatives, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the academic milestone with their children and wards.
The officiating Priests and the Matriculants at the end of the Mass
The matriculation ceremony therefore ended on a high note, leaving the newly matriculated students inspired and formally committed to their academic journey at La Vera College of Nursing Sciences.
For the matriculants, the occasion represented not merely a ceremonial rite of passage, but the beginning of a new chapter in their preparation for a noble profession dedicated to the preservation of human life, compassionate care and service to humanity.
© The Concourse Media.
