Deborah Hundenu
The Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, was abuzz with celebration as the School of Psychiatric Nursing (SOPN) hosted its 7th combined convocation ceremony.
The event marked the graduation of 13 cohorts of students spanning from 2009 to 2023, culminating in a total of 619 graduates.
The most recent 2022/2023 batch saw 51 students receive their certificates, ready to join the ranks of mental health professionals dedicated to improving psychiatric care.
Delivering his speech at the event, the Provost and Medical Director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, Dr. Afis Agboola, described the convocation ceremony as a testament to the school’s enduring commitment to excellence in training and preparing mental health professionals for the challenges of their field.
He added that SOPN being affiliated with the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI) and other nursing schools across Ogun State, established itself as a cornerstone of psychiatric education.
He highlighted the crucial role mental health professionals play in society.
He emphasised the dedication and resilience required to excel in this demanding field.
“Mental health professionals are indispensable in our society. Their work goes beyond treatment; they provide hope and stability to countless individuals and families,” Dr. Agboola stated.
During the ceremony, graduates from various programmes, including psychiatry, psychology, and psychiatric nursing, were awarded their degrees and certificates.
The event not only celebrated their academic achievements but also underscored the vital contribution they will make to advancing mental health care.
Agboola also took the opportunity to shed light on the broader scope of services offered at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro.
He said “our hospital is renowned for its mental health services, but we also offer comprehensive general medical care.
“ We have engaged specialists such as obstetricians, gynaecologists, paediatricians, cardiologists, general surgeons, endocrinologists, neurologists, and radiologists to provide a wide range of medical services.”
Despite the celebratory mood, Dr. Agboola did not shy away from addressing the challenges the hospital faces.
He pointed out issues such as inadequate funding from the federal government, a shortage of manpower, delays in the release of overhead budgets, and the burden of high electricity bills.
He acknowledged the support of the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun in tackling these challenges.
He highlighted a significant development such as the federal government’s approval of an 80-bed Mother and Child Hospital at Mowe Ibafo, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Olaniyan Blessing Janet, was recognised as the best graduate of the 2022/2023 set.
She was described as an exemplar of the dedication and hard work that the institution values.
Agboola also made a heartfelt appeal to the alumni of the School of Psychiatric Nursing to collaborate and contribute to the ongoing progress of the hospital.
He said “our alumni are a testament to our success. We need your support to continue providing high-quality education and healthcare services.”
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