By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has commended the management and proprietorship of Blessed Martins educational institutions for their sustained investment in expanding access to quality education and professional training in the state.
The governor gave the commendation during the joint matriculation ceremony of the Blessed Martins College of Nursing Science (BMCONS) and Blessed Martins International Institute of Science and Technology (BMIIST), where more than 250 newly admitted students were formally inducted into the academic community.
The event, held at Ohatekwe Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area, marked the second matriculation ceremony of BMCONS and the ninth matriculation ceremony of BMIIST.
The occasion drew parents, guardians, education stakeholders, government officials, and members of the host community.
Governor Nwifuru, who was represented at the event by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Elvis Ngene, described the institutions as strategic drivers of human capital development, noting that their establishment reflects a forward-looking commitment to strengthening the state’s educational ecosystem and producing skilled professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
The governor particularly extolled the vision and commitment of the proprietress, Chief Mrs. Mary Chinedu Ogah, stating that the institutions have emerged as important centres for technical, vocational, and health-related education in the South-East region.
According to him, institutions such as BMCONS and BMIIST play a crucial role in addressing the growing demand for skilled manpower in critical sectors, especially healthcare, science, and technology.
Delivering the governor’s message, Justice Ngene emphasised the importance of discipline, academic integrity, and professional ethics as fundamental pillars of academic and career success.
“Discipline remains the bedrock of excellence, and professionalism begins from your formative years as students. Your admission into these institutions represents the beginning of a transformative intellectual journey that will shape your character, competence, and professional outlook," he said.
He encouraged the matriculating students to approach their studies with seriousness and a strong sense of purpose, noting that the knowledge, technical competencies, and values they acquire would determine their future contributions to society.
“I see among you future presidents, governors, senators, captains of industry, innovators, and leading professionals. Your success will largely depend on how effectively you utilise the opportunities before you,” he added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedu Onah, commended the institutions for their contributions to educational development in the state.
He urged the students to demonstrate perseverance, diligence, and intellectual curiosity throughout their academic journey, stressing that academic success requires sustained commitment and resilience.
“It is one thing to gain admission; it is another to complete your academic programme successfully. Remain focused, work hard, and justify the sacrifices made by your parents and guardians,” Onah said.
Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Ikwo Local Government Area, Chidi Nwode, described the institutions as catalysts for community development and social transformation.
He commended the host community for maintaining a peaceful and supportive environment that enables effective teaching, learning, and institutional growth.
In her remarks, the Proprietress of the institutions, Chief Mrs. Mary Chinedu Ogah, expressed appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government for its continuous support and enabling policies that have contributed to the steady growth of the schools.
She disclosed that a total of 250 students were admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session, with 150 students matriculating into the College of Nursing Science and 100 students admitted into the Institute of Science and Technology.
Ogah urged the new students to embrace the core values of discipline, integrity, academic excellence, and professionalism, which she said form the philosophical foundation of the institutions.
She noted that the institutions were established with the objective of producing highly skilled professionals equipped with the knowledge, competencies, and ethical standards required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion and Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agricultural Land Development Agency, Maxwell Nwali, described the establishment of the institutions as a landmark intervention in the state’s educational development landscape.
He emphasised the importance of technical and professional education in addressing contemporary development challenges and encouraged the students to take full advantage of the academic resources and training opportunities available to them.
Also speaking at the event, the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, commended the academic staff and management of the institutions for their dedication to institutional growth and academic excellence.
He explained that the institutions were established not merely as profit-driven enterprises but as platforms for youth empowerment, employment generation, and poverty reduction.
“Our vision is to build an institution that will create opportunities for our young people, reduce unemployment, curb social vices, and equip our youths with the knowledge and skills required for self-reliance,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructural development on the campus, including the construction of an automated laboratory complex, a proposed 350-bed teaching hospital, additional lecture halls, and expanded student accommodation facilities aimed at improving the overall teaching and learning environment.
In his address, the Provost of BMIIST, Dr. Emma Okey Okoro, disclosed that the institute currently runs 11 programmes accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The programmes include Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Technology, Public Health Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics Technology, and Computer Science, among others.
He further noted that the institution had secured recognition from relevant regulatory bodies and was actively pursuing an upgrade to university status through engagement with the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Okoro added that admissions into the institution are processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), underscoring the institution’s commitment to transparency and compliance with national admission standards.
Also addressing the students, the Acting Provost of BMCONS, Mrs. Marcelina Abagha-Ugwu, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing highly competent and globally competitive nursing professionals.
She explained that the institution’s curriculum integrates rigorous theoretical instruction with extensive clinical training, ensuring that graduates acquire both the scientific knowledge and practical competencies required to meet national and international healthcare standards.
The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath, goodwill messages from stakeholders, and the formal induction of the students into the academic culture and professional ethos of the institutions.
Among other dignitaries present were the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, who served as the Father of the Day, Prof Fidelis Ogah, representatives of educational regulatory agencies, members of the governing council, academic staff, traditional leaders, parents, and well-wishers from across the country.
They collectively encouraged the students to maintain academic discipline, attend lectures consistently, participate actively in practical sessions, and avoid social vices in order to graduate with outstanding academic records.
