In a landmark event aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria, the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) has inducted 930 newly qualified health officers at its 5th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony held in Abuja. The event, themed “Enhancing Excellence: A New Journey Begins”, also recognized exceptional achievements, with special awards presented to distinguished graduates across various categories.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, urged the new inductees to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties. He emphasized the critical role community health practitioners play as the first line of care in the nation’s healthcare system.
While addressing the inductees Dr. Salako noted that “You are the face of healthcare in many communities. Your service, integrity, and professionalism can make the difference between life and death. Uphold the ethics of this noble profession and ensure that you leave a positive impact in every community you serve”.
The Emir of Jamaá LGA in Kaduna, Dr Muhammadu Mohammed (R), presenting the Best Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) Student Award, to Master Onwe Sunday-Eze of Boki Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Cross River State, during the 5th Induction and Award Ceremony of Community Health Officers, organized by Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, in Abuja. With them is the Proprietor/Provost, Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okundi, Boki in Cross River, Prof. Martin Jolly Ekpang.
Echoing the minister’s remarks, the Registrar of the Board, Dr. Bashir Idris, reminded the inductees of their responsibilities and the need to maintain high standards of practice at all times.
“You are now ambassadors of the Board and, more importantly, custodians of community health. Let excellence and compassion be your guiding principles,” he said.
A standout moment at the event came when Onwe Sunday Eze, a student from Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Cross River State, was named the Overall Best Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) Student in the country. Eze’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Best Student Award, a recognition that drew widespread applause and admiration.
From left: Proprietor/Provost, Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okundi Boki in Cross River, Prof. Martin Jolly Ekpang; Registrar/CEO, Community Health Practitionerss Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN), Dr Bashir Idris; Best CHEW Student Award, to Master Onwe Sunday-Eze and the Head of Department, Community Health, Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okumdi, Cross River, Mr Emen Stephen, during the 5th Induction and Award Ceremony of Community Health Officers, organized by Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, in Abuja.
The Provost of Boki College, Professor Martin Ekpang, expressed immense joy over the recognition, stating that the award would help spotlight the institution, especially given its rural setting.
“I am so grateful to God for this award because it has projected our college to the outer world. We have very good lecturers, highly trained and qualified staff, and the facilities to produce the best students. The irony is that people don’t know what we have,” Ekpang said. “Now, through this award, Nigerians and even the global community will recognize our impact. I’ve always known Eze was destined for greatness, he’s a brilliant student.”
The Head of Department, Mr. Amos Stephen, also expressed pride in Eze’s success and the efforts of the school’s faculty. “We do our best to ensure academic excellence and practical readiness. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of both the staff and the students,” he said.
Proprietor/Provost, Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okundi Boki in Cross River, Prof. Martin Jolly Ekpang(3rd, R); winner of the Best CHEW Student Award, Master Onwe Sunday Eze(4th, R); Head of Department, Community Health, Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okumdi, Cross River, Mr Emen Stephen (4th, L) and other staff members of Boki College of Health Sciences and Technology, during the 5th Induction and Award Ceremony of Community Health Officers, organized by Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, in Abuja on Tuesday (8/4/25).
An elated Eze, in his acceptance speech, attributed his success to God, hard work, and the unwavering support of his lecturers and parents. “I never imagined I would become the best student nationally. It’s all by God’s grace. I thank my parents, my HOD, and the entire Board for this honor,” he said. He also encouraged his peers across the country to remain committed to their studies and to pursue healthy, purposeful competition.
At the close of the ceremony, all 930 inductees received their registration certificates, induction certificates, and professional practice licenses, officially marking their entry into the healthcare workforce. They were urged to maintain professionalism, compassion, and continuous learning as they embark on their new journey in serving Nigeria’s diverse communities.
