A Tribute to a Trailblazer: Honouring Mrs. Uche Grace Nwankwo, provost emeritus of College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia Ndoki, Abia State

A Tribute to a Trailblazer: Honouring Mrs. Uche Grace Nwankwo, provost emeritus of College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia Ndoki, Abia State

On Friday, 26th September 2025, we came together for a truly remarkable and emotional occasion—one that will remain etched in the history of the College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia Ndoki, and in the hearts of all who were privileged to witness it.

We gathered to celebrate a woman whose dedication, leadership, and integrity have left an indelible mark on our institution: Mrs. Grace Nwankwo, our pioneer Provost and now Provost Emeritus.

When this college was founded, we needed more than just a qualified administrator—we needed a visionary. Someone who could take an idea and transform it into a functioning, respected institution. In Mrs. Nwankwo, we found not only the right credentials, but the right spirit, the right heart, and the right kind of leadership.

From the very first day, she took ownership of this vision as if it were her own. With tireless effort, unshakeable discipline, and a deep love for the nursing profession, she led this college through its most formative years. Under her leadership, we achieved full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)—a milestone that many thought would take a decade. She made it happen in record time.

But beyond the titles and milestones, it is her impact on people that speaks loudest. Staff, students, alumni—even members of the surrounding community—have all felt her influence. She has been a mentor, a role model, and above all, a builder.

It was in recognition of this profound impact that, on behalf of the Maurid Group of Schools, I had the honour of presenting her with a ₦5 million cheque—a small token of our deep appreciation for her years of service, sacrifice, and excellence.

Let me be clear: this is not a reward; it is a thank you. A thank you for the nights spent planning, the battles fought on behalf of the school, the standards upheld, and the future she helped secure for so many young Nigerians.

Some people occupy positions. Others create paths. Mrs. Grace Nwankwo is the latter. Her legacy will continue to shape generations of nurses long after this day.

As she enters a well-deserved retirement, we celebrate not just the end of a chapter, but the legacy of a matriarch of modern nursing education in Abia State.

On behalf of the board, staff, and students of Maurid Group of Schools, we say: Thank you, Ma. You will always be part of this family.

May God bless and reward you richly.

Signed:

Dr. Godwin Umontuen
Chairman, Maurid Group of Schools.