Bishop Shanahan Hospital Holds Matriculation for New Students

Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, on 2nd June, 2016 matriculated no fewer than 62 students into 2 schools of the institution - School of Nursing and School of Medical Laboratory Technician - for the 2015/2016 academic session.

This was in completion of the admission procedures required by the school to officially welcome the new intakes who have successfully completed a 6-month Preliminary Training Session (PTS) into the citadel of learning.

The matriculation ceremony took place at the School Campus in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State.

The event commenced with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Eugene Odo, Secretary, Catholic Diocese of Nsukka.

Beginning his sermon, Fr. Eugene praised God on behalf of the matriculating students and their respective parents. He commended the efforts of the new students for being successfully admitted into the School and equally charged them to take their studies serious. He advised them to desist from any form of setback but to exploit the enabling environment in the school to study harder.

The priest used the opportunity to air his view regarding the age brackets of those he considers worthy to be admitted into the school. He said: " l think there should be a certain age of maturity one should attain before being permitted to be in the position to handle human life. But as it stands, it is not within my powers to decide."

Fr. Eugene urged the new intakes to be very serious with their studies and to offer their utmost services to the school not only in words, but in actions.

"Out of the crowd, you emerged successful so you really need to thank God. PTS is very scary but yet you made it. Therefore, if you really want to thank God, you need to show gratitude in your attitudes because what you have are all gifts from God.

"When you are confused on what to do, make enquiry. Here in Nigeria, we are prone to guess work. We are careless about human life. So for me, the best way for you to thank God for being admitted into this school is to change that attitude.

"Transfer of aggression is not an attitude of someone who is thanking God. Do not look at others while performing your duties. There is no doubt that some patients are not easy tohandle. But do not treat them based on their behaviour. Do not let their attitude affect yours. You all have one important role to play and that is the health of the sick," he stressed.

The Diocesan Secretary further admonished the matriculating students to work very hard in their respective professions of saving human lives even though it is not an easy task adding that many health workers have lost their lives while caring for their patients saying that that is the best form of thanksgivings they can offer to God.

Hospital administrator, Rev. Fr. Anselm Asogwa was overwhelmed by the success of the occasion and expressed gratitude to God and all present especially Fr. Eugene for his sermon to the students. He further commended all the principals of the school for their efforts in the management of the institution.

A welcome address was presented by each of theprincipals of the matriculating schools- Rev. Sr. Mary Leonie Onwudiwe of School of Nursing and Mrs. Ossai J.I of School of Medical Laboratory Technician - and each was characterized by expression of gratitude to God, the management of the school and all who graced the occasion, as well as all who had in one way or the other contributed to the wellbeing of the school.

Charting with Shepherd News, one of the new intakes, Mark Ndubuisi Ogili - a student of School of Nursing expressed his happiness and thanked God and the management of the institution for giving him the opportunity to study in the citadel.

"Today is a great day. Everybody in my shoe should be happy. But my joy is overwhelming because the fear of PTS alone can make one to fail the exam. But l thank God that l am among those that finally made it. All glory and honour to God. I thank our parents, lecturers and friends.

"I advice my fellowintakes to see this success as the beginning of an end. They should work harder inorder to achieve greater success. They should remember that a good beginning even though is important, is not as important as a good end," he noted.

The event saw the presentation of merit awards to some of the new students for their stunning performances in their academic activities so far as well as the capping and coating of the matriculants by the management of the school.

The ceremony ended on a good note with highlights ranging from refreshments to dances by members of the school's cultural and hip-hop groups, among others.

Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukkastarted as a simple maternity founded in 1932 by Most Rev. Dr. Charles Heery. The maternity's mantle of proprietorship was passed by Most Rev. Dr. G.M.P. Okoye to late Rt. Dr. M.U. Eneja. With the creation of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. F.E.O. Okobo became the proprietoruntil his retirement when he was replaced by the present bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey I. Onah.

The hospital is a missionary establishmentthat runs both clinical and school departments. It currently has 3 schools which include School of Midwifery established in 1952, School of Nursing founded in 1962 andSchool of Medical Laboratory Technician opened in 2001.