The Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON) in affiliation with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), held the inaugural matriculation ceremony for the pioneer students admitted into its Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Programme on Friday, June 13, 2025.
The historic event, held amidst pomp and ceremony at the NACON College Auditorium, Myhoung Barracks, Yaba, Lagos, marks the official commencement of the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Degree programme at Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON).
This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Nigerian Army College of Nursing on October 17, 2022.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, congratulated the matriculating students on their admission into one of the most honourable professions in the world, Nursing.
She described the event as the commencement of a transformative journey, not just into the academic world, but also into a new chapter of growth, commitment and discovery that will shape the character, values and commitment of the matriculating students.
While speaking on the partnership between UNILAG and NACON, which birthed the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Programme, Prof. Ogunsola assured that NACON will benefit maximally from the academic rigour, impactful research and quality assurance that UNILAG boasts of.
She assured that “the Bachelor of Nursing Science Programme is not a mere formal connection but a living partnership. Our curriculum, examinations, academic policies and faculty development are aligned with the standards of the university, ensuring that your degree carries weight, respect, and credibility globally. It also opens up opportunities for collaboration, higher studies, inter-collegiate research, and exchange programmes; such that you are not only trained as competent nurses, but also as thought leaders, researchers, and lifelong learners”.
Prof. Ogunsola decried the acute shortage of nurses in Nigeria owing to the Japa syndrome and the resultant pressure on the very few existing hands; hence, she charged the matriculating students to not only pursue a course of study but also embrace a sacred calling. She said “…You are entering a profession that demands knowledge, compassion, skills, integrity, precision and patience. From this day forward, your hands will learn the science of healing, but your heart must learn the art of caring… let your vision be clear, your heart be kind, and your resolve be unshakable. Go forth to learn, to serve, and to lead”.
The Professor of Medical Microbiology said UNILAG remains at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and the like, opportunities which she tasked the new students to explore.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the matriculating students to Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, by the Commandant of NACON, Colonel Juliana Awuto and the administering of the Matriculation Oath by the Registrar, University of Lagos, Mrs Victoria Wickliffe.
The event was attended by the University of Lagos Management team, top officials from the Nigerian Army, and other stakeholders in the health and education sectors.
It would be recalled that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had, in 2023, granted approval to the Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON) to run the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme in affiliation with the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
