By Constantine Echichechi Okoli
It was quite a historic moment for the Catholic Diocese of Awka and the numerous good-spirited individuals who undertook the rigorous but necessary processes which resulted in the approval granted to Regina Caeli College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, RECACONSA, to commence Nursing Training.
The approval letter, dated 14 April 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar/CEO of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, was received on 17 June 2025, on behalf of the Visitor and Proprietor of the College, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, by the Chancellor of the Diocese and Chairman of the Diocesan Committee of the College, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi, in Abuja.
Speaking with gratitude to God and to the Bishop of the Diocese, Fr. Ndubisi recalled that it was a journey begun on 22nd March, 2024, when “The Letter of expression of Intention” was written. Since then, according to the cerebral Chancellor, the Diocesan Committee of the College had welcomed members of the Accreditation Team of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria – both State and National; the Anambra State House Committee on Health, led by Hon.
Tony Muobike; the members of the Anambra State House of Assembly; the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Dr. Mrs. Olubunmi Adeola Lawal; the Provost and Management of College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi Nnukwu, CONSA.
Noting that he could not exhaust the names of all those who helped in making the project a reality, the Chancellor noted that Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, would serve as hospitals for Clinic experience for RECACONSA. He therefore expressed gratitude to their Managements, led by Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim and Dr. Joe Akabuike, respectively.
‘We could not have done much without the intensive and intentional support of all the persons we came in contact with while on this journey,’ the Chancellor expressed, adding that they were all supportive in unique and singular manner.
Rev. Fr. Ndubisi expressed optimism that considering the processes that birthed the College, and how they were closely followed, the College was set to excel. According to him, the infrastructure and health materials needed for the College were fully available. He thanked the CWO and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Awka Diocese for their provisions.
‘The Church will keep to the standard of which she is known and revered the world over; the lecturers to be employed in the College and the nurses to be trained will follow the standard,’ the Chancellor emphasized.
As the Chancellor recalled the role played by the Senator representing Anambra Central, Sen. Victor Umeh, he thanked him for interfacing between the Docese and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
‘The generous presence and contributions of Senator Victor Umeh fast-forwarded the process,’ Fr. Ndubisi disclosed.
Expressing gratitude to the Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, for what he described as his tireless commitments in the progress of the Diocese, Fr Ndubisi noted that at the moment, Regina Caeli College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, was set to begin and was employing lecturers and staff preparing for the accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); while being open for the admission of students.
The College is located inside the premises of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Awka, as the permanent site gets ready.
