UCC to begin Bachelor of Science in Midwifery next year

The School of Nursing and Midwifery of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) will begin a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery programme next academic year.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, who announced this said all necessary documents relating to the programme had been submitted to the National Accreditation Board for approval.

He, therefore, encouraged the students to take advantage of the new programme when it was approved to upgrade themselves to improve their professional competence and remain more relevant in the midwifery profession.

He was addressing the seventh Session of the 51st Congregation of the university last Monday.

The occasion saw the conferment of Diploma in Midwifery on a total of 1,155 graduates from 23 nursing and midwifery training colleges in the country where the UCC Diploma in Midwifery programme is run.

Prof. Ampiah said apart from the nursing and midwifery programmes, the College of Health and Allied Sciences of the university offered innovative health programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, which the graduates might want to pursue in future.

Approach to affiliation

The VC said the university’s approach to affiliation had always been mutually beneficial to the institutions involved in the relationship.

“We, as an institution, do not believe in confrontational approach to mentorship but establishing healthy professional relationships with our affiliate institutions leading to quality academic development and training of highly competent human resource for the nation,” he said.

He said the decision by the Ministry of Health to affiliate 36 midwifery institutions to the university did not come as a surprise considering the positive impact of the university’s service on the post-basic institutions.

Academic progression

“It is gratifying to note that the university has played a significant role in putting smiles on the faces of these categories of midwives who, hitherto, had been relegated to the background in the profession in terms of academic progression,” Prof. Ampiah said.

He urged health professionals to be exceptional in the discharge of their duties to the satisfaction of clients, adding: “Remember that a patient is the most important visitor on your premises.”

In a welcome address, the Chancellor of the university, Dr Sir Sam Esson Jonah, said the university and the respective training institutions were proud to be sending the graduates out into the world as their ambassadors, urging them to “go and make a difference”.

“Remember the motto of your alma mater, “Veritas Nobis Lumen” - ‘Truth Our Guide’,” he said.