By Ita Williams
The College of Health Technology, Calabar has held its 19th matriculation ceremony in what management described as a period of ‘remarkable growth, new challenges, and renewed commitment to quality healthcare training.’
The event which took place at the College main campus at Mary Slessor Avenue on Wednesday, 4th December, saw a fresh set of 811 students across eight departments being ushered in for the 2025/2026 academic year with government officials, health professionals, parents, academic staff, and community stakeholders in attendance.
In his address, the Provost of the College, Dr. Ita Edet Ikpeme, who expressed profound joy at welcoming the new students, described the ceremony as “a true affirmation of public confidence in our mandate to develop skilled, compassionate middle-level health professionals,” adding that the 811 matriculating represented an increase of more than 200 students from the previous session.
Dr. Ikpeme reminded the students that their admission was not a coincidence but a reward for discipline, resilience, and decorum which they exhibited during the selection process.
“Many of you are beginning an independent phase of your lives. Hold fast to the values instilled at home: integrity, discipline, and respect. Your training here builds on those values to develop you into responsible health workers committed to service.
“Your presence reflects confidence in our programs and trust in the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whose administration continues to strengthen healthcare delivery in Cross River State,” he stated.
The Provost outlined significant developments since the last matriculation, as ‘accreditations and resource inspections, approval of departments such as Dispensing Opticianry, Environmental Health ND, Health Information Management, and Computer Science, as well as securing National Diploma (ND) accreditation.
“Two others excelled during resource inspections, giving the college a 90% overall performance rating. In recognition of global trends, we have intensified digitalization across departments and units to meet accreditation and administrative standards. Construction of new science laboratories and resource rooms is ongoing.
“New, well-furnished staff offices were provided to ease space constraints. A new borehole is under construction to improve the water supply. Over 100 student desks were produced locally to accommodate the expanding student population. Several grounded institutional vehicles have been rehabilitated. The Governor donated a Hilux vehicle to support the Provost’s administrative duties,” he told the excited crowd.
Despite the progress, Dr Ikpeme said there were challenges which he enumerated as: Absence of a JAMB-standard CBT Centre, inadequate funding to activate newly approved programs, such as HND Dispensing Opticianry, HND Community Health, as well as ND Epidemiology and Disease Control, lack of official vehicles for principal officers, amongst others.
He appealed to the Governor, alumni, NGOs, and development partners for assistance, adding “We deeply appreciate past support and appeal for greater collaboration as we confront emerging challenges and expand opportunities for our students.”
Representing Governor Otu, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, charged the students to take their programs seriously and never undermine their chosen fields.
“Whether you are being trained as a nurse,” he continued, “community health worker, or laboratory technician, none is more important than the other. You are equally important in your field as a medical doctor is in theirs.”
Dr. Ayuk said the state government had recently employed over 2,000 health workers, over 80 per cent of whom were young graduates and that most of them were from the college.
The administration was “Investing heavily in strengthening primary healthcare and expanding training institutions,” he submitted and further noted that the government was planning to establish a state-owned College of Medicine before the end of the governor’s tenure.
“The government is ever ready to stand by you. When you graduate, we will not fail you. Do not fall by the side. If 100 students are graduating, make sure you are among them,” he stated and warned against cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Samuel Ernest Urom, also addressed the gathering, and described the matriculation ceremony as “the official entry into a college where academic excellence and skill acquisition remain core values.”
He assured parents that the institution remained committed to students’ safety despite the security challenges in the country, and disclosed that despite limited resources, the college had constructed three new offices, made major progress in digitalization, drilled a new borehole, and commenced construction of a science laboratory and resource room.
“Several vehicles were also rehabilitated to ease transportation for practical sessions,” he stressed.
On her part, Mrs Blessing Ugbe, who represented the Commissioner for Education, noted that the matriculation ceremony was “a significant rite of passage” and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the institution.
