Northern Province has produced 1,017 newly graduated nurses and midwives during the 5th Combined Graduation Ceremony held in Mporokoso District. The colourful event brought together graduates from various training institutions.
The institutions included the host, Mporokoso College of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as Kasama, Mbala, Lukupa, Ichengelo, Chilubi Island, and Pillar of Knowledge Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery.
Northern Province Minister and Member of Parliament for Mpulungu, Hon. Leonard Mbao, officially opened the newly established Mporokoso Nursing and Midwifery School before officiating the ceremony.
He congratulated the graduates, parents, and guardians for their hard work and resilience. The Minister urged the new health professionals to execute their duties with passion, emphasizing that qualifications are only meaningful when supported by dedication and professionalism.
Hon. Mbao also highlighted the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the health sector, stating that over 24,000 health workers have been recruited so far, with plans to employ an additional 2,000 personnel.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Director Prof. Ernest Mutale commended the graduating students and institutions for their commitment to improving health education standards. He noted that Mporokoso College of Nursing and Midwifery had improved its performance from 85% to 87%, and encouraged the institution to continue striving for excellence.
Mporokoso District Commissioner Brian Muyuni thanked the government for selecting Mporokoso as the host district. He extended an invitation to visitors from across the country to explore and experience the district’s unique attractions.
In her remarks, Queen Mother Mrs. Namfukwe Mumpolokoso urged parents and guardians not to marry off their children at a tender age, but instead encourage them to pursue education so they too can become future graduates. She stressed that education is the best equalizer.
The colourful graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in strengthening the health workforce across Northern Province.
