Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, proudly hosted its first-ever induction ceremony, a landmark event that ushered its pioneer set of Nursing graduates into the noble profession. The historic event, held at the University Auditorium, was a day of history, joy, and pride for the entire TAU community.
The induction ceremony was graced by a distinguished assembly of dignitaries, including the Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, the Co-Founder, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Adewumi, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, principal officers of the University, Deans of faculties, faculty members, and proud parents of the inductees. Also in attendance were the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), represented by Mr. Gambo Umar, Head of Registration Unit, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Professors of Nursing Sciences from the University of Ilorin, Nursing Elders: Prof. J.A. Afolayan, Prof. S.K. Olubiyi, and Prof. E.E. Anyebe and others present, the Director of Nursing Services, Kwara State, Hajia Aminat, and representative of the University Graduates of Nursing Sciences Association (UGONSA), Mr. Opeyemi Ojo from Achievers University.
In her welcome address, the Ag. Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Aina described the ceremony as a “remarkable milestone” for the University and the Faculty. She lauded the achievements of the pioneer set, tagged “Conquistador”, who recorded an outstanding 100% success rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council Examination. Dr. Aina expressed deep gratitude to the Founder, the Vice-Chancellor, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the faculty staff, and parents for their unwavering support, while charging the inductees to uphold compassion, integrity, and lifelong learning as they embark on their professional journeys.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, congratulated the inductees on their historic achievement and urged them to be “ambassadors of excellence and servants to humanity.” She emphasized the University’s vision of becoming the institution of first choice for Nursing education in Nigeria, adding that the Nursing Department, elevated to a FULL Faculty in September 2023, has since achieved full accreditation from both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the NMCN. She commended the faculty and students for their resilience, and the parents for entrusting their children’s education to TAU.
The keynote lecture of the day, titled “Beyond the Cap: Embracing the Journey of Healing and Hope,” was delivered by Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, a distinguished scholar of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education at the University of Ilorin. Prof. Olaitan, himself a Registered Nurse, urged the inductees to embody the principles of compassion, competence, and character in their professional practice. He emphasized that Nursing is not only about clinical expertise but also about empathy, courage, and ethical responsibility, calling the graduates “ambassadors of healing and hope.”
The most symbolic highlight of the ceremony was the Oath-Taking Ceremony, administered by the NMCN and led by Mr. Gambo Umar. The inductees pledged their allegiance to the ethics and standards of the Nursing profession and were officially decorated, marking their full admission into the noble calling of Nursing. They were also formally admitted into the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) by the Kwara State Council.
The event also featured the presentation of faculty prizes and awards, including recognitions for outstanding academic performance across all levels of study to celebrate the students, as well as a lifetime achievement award to Prof. J.A. Afolayan, the first Professor of Nursing Sciences in Kwara State, and Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Aina, the Pioneer Dean of the faculty, for their pioneering contributions to the Faculty, and excellence awards to the Founder, Co-Founder, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and other key university officers. The University Graduates of Nursing Sciences Association (UGONSA) also presented gifts to the best-performing students, further highlighting the day’s celebratory tone.
In his goodwill message, the Founder/Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi expressed gratitude to God and all stakeholders for making the milestone possible. He commended the University of Ilorin and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole SAN, for its mentorship to TAU’s Faculty of Nursing Sciences and thanked parents for trusting TAU with their children’s education. He urged the new Nurses to “be the light that shines to make Nigeria and the world better,” while reminding them to live up to the sacred oath they had taken.
To conclude his speech, the Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, expressed profound appreciation to Prof. Joel Afolayan, Dr. Godwin Adunmo, and Dr. Saliu Akinwale for their dedicated leadership in steering the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, the Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, and the Department of Physiotherapy respectively. He also commended the faculty members for their unwavering commitment, with special recognition to Mr. Kehinde S. Kolapo for his immense contributions to the growth and success of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Omolara Arosanyin, who appreciated all dignitaries, guests, and the TAU community for their contributions to the success of the programme.
With this induction, Thomas Adewumi University has established its name in history as a citadel of healthcare excellence, producing Nurses who are not only academically sound but also equipped with compassion, ethics, and leadership to impact society positively.
