In a remarkable celebration of faith, hope, and academic excellence, La Vera College of Nursing, Nsukka, held its inaugural matriculation ceremony today, Friday, September 26, 2025, marking a historic milestone in the life of the young but promising institution. The event was steeped in profound spiritual significance and graced by an array of dignitaries—priests, religious, professors, medical doctors, professional nurses and proud parents, who gathered to witness the formal initiation of the pioneer students into the noble profession of nursing.
A Sacred Beginning: Eucharistic Celebration
The day began with the Holy Mass, a Eucharistic celebration that set a deeply spiritual tone for the day. The Mass was presided over by the Vicar for Priests, Rev. Fr. Dr. Oliver Ugwu, who, in his introductory remarks, offered heartfelt gratitude to God for the establishment of La Vera College within the Nsukka metropolis. He invoked divine blessings upon the students, staff, and visionaries of the institution.
Homily: Rebuilding the Fallen Temple of the Health Sector
The homily, delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand Odo, was a stirring theological and moral reflection rooted in Scripture and relevant to the present-day crisis in healthcare. Drawing from the prophetic message of Haggai to Zerubbabel and Joshua, Fr. Odo likened the current state of the Nigerian health system to the destroyed temple of Jerusalem—once glorious, now in need of rebuilding.
“There is a way you feel when you see a polished, professional nurse or midwife,” he said. “That’s the feeling of hope—hope that this noble profession can once again become a beacon of healing and humanity.”
In a passionate call to the matriculants, Fr. Odo challenged them to consider their motivation for entering the nursing profession. He warned against the lure of money and emphasized service, compassion, and continual intellectual growth as the pillars of authentic medical practice.
“Some trade life for money. But you must not. You are being called to rebuild the fallen temple of the nursing profession,” he stressed. “This is not just a career; it is a vocation—a sacred duty akin to the priesthood.”
An Institution of Promise and Excellence
The College Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Ngwoke, in his remarks, thanked God for the clement weather and expressed deep appreciation to the Bishop who had envisioned the beauty and necessity of La Vera College in Nsukka. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the proprietor, High Chief Anterus Eze, and his family for their tireless efforts in giving Nsukka a facelift both in the health and academic sectors.
He also acknowledged the presence and support of numerous clergy, including Fr. Oliver Ugwu, the Vicar for Priests and Chief celebrant, Fr Ferdinand Odo, the homilist and rector of St John Cross Seminary Nsukka, Vitalis Ukwuaba, Fr. Nathaniel Ugwu, Fr. Lawrence Ugwu, Fr. Mathew Gerard Onyeze, and Fr. Anthony Ayogu, Fr Teclus Ugwueze, as well as members of the religious orders such as Sr. Irene and Sr. Felicitas Ujam.
The Chaplain, Fr. B. Ngwoke
“To the matriculants,” Fr. Ngwoke concluded, “this is a moment of history. Years from now, you shall be remembered as the pioneer students of La Vera College—chosen not merely to wear the nursing uniform but to embody its values and rebuild our fallen health institutions.”
Programme Highlights
After the Mass, the academic segment of the event unfolded with elegance and purpose. The key highlights included:
— Academic Procession of students and staff
— Rendition of the National and College Anthems
— Welcome songs by students, evoking emotion and excitement
— A thought-provoking Matriculation Lecture titled “Embracing Excellence in Nursing Education: Connecting the Dots between Teaching & Learning”
— Administration of the Matriculation Vow by the Deputy Provost
— Goodwill messages from patrons and stakeholders
— Cultural dances showcasing the rich heritage of Nsukka
— Academic awards to outstanding students
— A vote of thanks from the College Registrar, and
— A dignified closing prayer that sealed the day with gratitude.
A Vision for the Future
Throughout the event, there was a consistent thread of hope, formation, and responsibility—a call to excellence not just in skill but in character. Speakers emphasized that La Vera College is not merely an academic institution, but a formation ground for healers, those who are expected to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the suffering with compassion, professionalism, and integrity.
As the sun set over Nsukka, one could not help but feel that something new and noble had been born—a new temple of healing, built not with stones but with human hearts, minds, and hands ready to serve.
To the matriculating students, today is not just a ceremony—it is a commissioning, a sacred charge to become the kind of nurse that restores faith in medicine, heals the broken, and honors the dignity of life.
Congratulations to La Vera College of Nursing, Nsukka.
A new dawn has indeed begun.
Teclus Ike Ugwueze
