The Inductees taking the professional oath;Photo Credit: Awau Adegoke*
The air was filled with pride and purpose as the Department of Nursing Science, Fountain University, Osogbo, inducted 65 young nurses into the professional field.
It was more than a ceremony, it was a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and five years of sleepless nights, silent prayers, and unshaken dedication. On this remarkable day, the hall glowed with white coats and brighter dreams, each heartbeat echoing the promise of service to humanity.
“We are called to serve humanity, endowed with the art and science of caring. Built upon integrity and discipline that transcends generations, immaculate and gentle, a source of hope to the ailing and a foundation for a healthier world. Together we shall stand. Nurses are great, nurses are caring, the true epitome of humanity in service. We are specially ordained for this profession. Yes, I am proud to be a nurse.”
As the Nurses’ anthem rose like a gentle wave through the induction hall, welcoming 65 graduating nursing students into the professional field, one line stuck to my heart, “Yes, I am proud to be a nurse.” Not for myself, but for every radiant soul walking this noble path.
Nursing has always been one of those admired professions, the kind that inspires people from childhood. Everyone wants to be a nurse at some point, to wear that clean white coat, the cap neatly placed, and the stethoscope hanging proudly around the neck while caring for patients with compassion.
I can vividly recall those childhood days when I was asked, “What do you want to become in the future?” Without hesitation, I’d smile and say, “I want to be a nurse.” It’s funny now, life took me on a different path. I didn’t end up studying nursing, yet I find myself surrounded by friends who did. And that makes me feel like I’m partly a nurse too.
The truth is, nursing is not an easy journey, especially at Fountain University. I’ve seen firsthand how demanding it can be: the sleepless nights, the endless hours of study, the clinical practices, and the emotional strength it takes to care for others. The path to becoming a nurse is not a bed of roses; it’s a lifelong promise of hard work, sacrifice, and service.
Even though I didn’t wear the white coat, I’ve learned through my friends what it means to truly care, to serve humanity, and to keep pushing through challenges with grace. So, I may not be a nurse by profession, but I’m proud to be surrounded by nurses, and in spirit, I’ll always be one of them.
To those who have just been robed in honour, may Allah bless your new journey. You have crossed into a sacred covenant where tending to the weak becomes worship, where every heartbeat you protect is a silent sadaqah, and where your gentleness may heal more than medicine ever could. This is not merely a profession, it is an amanah.
And to those still in the trenches, unseen, exhausted, yet beautifully unbroken, take heart. Your journey is heavy only because your reward is heavy. One day, by Allah’s mercy, you too will stand in this very hall. On that day, every tear, every forgotten meal, every night spent praying instead of sleeping, every moment you doubted your strength, will suddenly make perfect, divine sense.
On that day, your soul will whisper, Alhamdulillah… every struggle was worth it.
This comes from the deepest part of my heart to every nursing student at Fountain University; especially to you, Titilayo Aduni and my roomie, Najeeba Adebayo. I am endlessly proud of you. And I pray the world soon celebrates the greatness Allah has already written for you.
*Awau Adegoke is a 400 Level Mass Communication student of Fountain University, Osogbo