The Vice-Chancellor of Sam Maris University (SMU), Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Francis Gbore has reiterated that the University is set to produce fully trained and well-equipped registered Nurses to stand shoulder high in professionalism and practice with their contemporaries anywhere in the world.

The Don made the remark while briefing some stakeholders who visited the institution on Tuesday to take a tour of the University’s campus and verify her facilities.

The VC noted that, as part of the commitment of the University to produce graduates, amongst other disciplines, in Applied Sciences, the University has received the approvals of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to introduce the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.) degree in its curriculum and commence the programme in the 2024/2025 Academic Session.

The Vice-Chancellor stated unequivocally that the citadel of learning, the first to get such NMCN approval in Akokoland, is poised for cutting-edge research in Nursing Science and the two other Allied Health Science courses namely; Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health, noting that the approval of the NUC had also been obtained to commence the programmes.

Responding to an inquiry on human resource, laboratories and clinical experience, the Vice-Chancellor held that the University can boast of qualified, highly experienced and formidable academic staff imbued with the capacity to impart knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies in students.

With respect to clinical experience, he disclosed that the University has established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) respectively with the relevant organs of Government at the State and Federal levels, including the Federal Medical Centre, Owo for the clinical component of the degree programme.

Prof. Gbore said: “Our institution is dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary for self-reliance and success in their future careers. In pursuit of this goal, we have invested significantly in our Nursing programme and other Allied Health Science programmes. I can confirm that we have put in place medical laboratories and procured state-of-the-art teaching aids, equipment and medical consumables necessary for effective teaching and learning of our students to excel in their fields.

“Furthermore, we have employed a team of highly qualified lecturers who are not only experts in the core areas of nursing science but are also dedicated to providing the highest quality education and mentorship to our students. Their expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the comprehensive and impactful education that Sam Maris University offers.

“As the foremost Private University in Akoko Land, Sam Maris University has created niche for itself, reputed for outstanding academic research and innovation. Our facilities are top-notch, and students from all faculties benefit from our advanced resources and learning environments.

“Therefore, I wish to encourage you and all parents and guardians out there to consider enrolling their children and wards with us as admission into the Nursing and Allied Health Science programmes are ongoing. At Sam Maris University, we are committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow through rigorous academic programmes and supportive learning experiences.”

“Meanwhile, he said, the University has opened the admission portal and candidates can now apply for admission into the Nursing Science and other programmes through the University student portal, https://portal.smu.edu.ng/apply, take a tour of our infrastructural facilities on the University website, https://www.smu.edu.ng and visit the JAMB CAPS for change of their first choice institutions to Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko.