Family Health University admits 294 fresh students

The Family Health University in Accra last Thursday admitted 294 nursing and midwifery students with a charge on the freshers to ensure that their conduct, both within and outside the institution, reflects the dignity of the profession they are preparing to join.

The Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Prof. Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, who gave the charge, said the day was not merely a ceremonial gathering, “it is a rite of passage”.

“You have chosen a path that requires more than just academic intelligence. It entails compassion, dedication, and a resolute commitment to humanity. By taking your matriculation oath, you are transitioning from aspirants to trainees.”

“You are making a solemn commitment to uphold the ethical standards of the nursing and midwifery profession, as well as the core values of this University, which are Integrity,

Professionalism, Teamwork, Collaboration, Lifelong learning, Inclusiveness, Diversity and Care,” he said.

The event was on theme: “Nurturing Excellence and Professionalism in Nursing and Midwifery Practice: “Called to Care”, 'Trained to Serve”.

Impactful

Prof. Kwawukume said nursing and midwifery were among the most respected and impactful professions in society, which thrived on emotional intelligence, ethical strength, and a deep sense of care.

“Here at Family Health University, we are committed to giving you the knowledge, skills, and professional values you need to excel. Our curriculum is designed to build your clinical competence and confidence, while also shaping your character, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.” 

“We have various facilities and resources to support your academic and personal development. These include well-equipped physical and e-libraries, modern skills laboratories, recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, and access to hospital environments for your clinical training,” he said.

Activities 

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to plan their activities and approach all assignments and duties with a positive mindset and that they should learn as many new things as possible, as they would prove valuable to them in the future.

“Participate actively in university life. Take the opportunity to build meaningful friendships and professional networks.

Acknowledge God in all your ways, and He will direct your path in your chosen field.

“While you strive for technical excellence, remember that patients rarely remember the technical details of their care; they remember how you made them feel.

Therefore, develop empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to serve humanity,” he said.

In the keynote address, an international Public Health Management Consultant, Dr Abigail Kyei, told the matriculants that they had been called to care and thus would be trained to serve.

She said excellence was not merely about passing exams or wearing a neat uniform; nor was it about speaking “big” English or using complex medical terminology in presentations to impress or confuse an audience.

“In nursing and midwifery, small mistakes can have big and terrible consequences,” she emphasised.

Uniform

She said when the students put on the uniform, they represented themselves, institution, profession and the trust society placed in healthcare workers.