Nursing Training College, Wa Makes History with Maiden Graduation and 2024 Matriculation Ceremony
On 27th February 2025, the Nursing Training College, Wa (NTC, Wa) achieved a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever graduation ceremony, alongside the 2024 matriculation of new students. This dual event celebrated the achievements of graduates and welcomed the next generation of nurses, underscoring the institution’s growing legacy in Ghana’s healthcare sector. For the first time since its establishment in 2006, NTC, Wa formally recognized its graduates with an official school certificate, complementing the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) licensure certificate they receive after passing their exams.
The graduating classes included 63 students from Registered General Nurses (RGN) Batch 8 and 102 students from Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) Batch 17. The ceremony was not limited to the immediate past graduates but also extended to all past students who had completed their programs but had never received a school certificate. This gesture acknowledged their contributions to the nursing profession and the institution’s history. Moving forward, all students who complete their programs at NTC, Wa will graduate with both an NMC licensure certificate and an official school certificate, enhancing their professional credentials and employability.
The graduation ceremony was a moment of pride and reflection for the institution. For nearly two decades, NTC, Wa has trained thousands of nurses who have gone on to serve in hospitals, clinics, and communities across Ghana and beyond. However, until now, graduates had only received their NMC licensure certificates, with no formal recognition from the school itself. The introduction of the school certificate marks a significant shift, aligning NTC, Wa with global standards and providing graduates with a tangible symbol of their hard work and dedication.
Following the graduation, the college held its 2024 matriculation ceremony, where new students pledged to uphold the ethics and standards of the nursing profession. The matriculating classes included 121 students from RGN Batch 11 and 148 students from NAC Batch 19. During the matriculation, students took the nursing oath, committing to ethical practice and patient care. The event was graced by notable figures, including the Former Principal, Dr. George Yaw Senitome, and representatives from the NMC, Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and local hospitals, who addressed the gathering.
The Principal of NTC, Wa, Madam Christina Terbobri, delivered a compelling speech on the theme, “The Role of Social Media in Nursing.” She highlighted the school’s improved pass rates in NMC licensure exams, reflecting its commitment to excellence in nursing education. She emphasized the importance of leveraging social media as a tool for professional development, networking, and public health education. However, she also addressed the challenges facing the school, such as limited library space, lack of hostel facilities for staff and students, and inadequate lighting systems on campus at night. She urged stakeholders, including the government, alumni, and healthcare organizations, to support the school in addressing these challenges.
In a significant announcement, Madam Teribobri revealed that NTC, Wa has been accredited to offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing. This milestone marks a new era for the institution, enabling it to provide advanced nursing education and further contribute to Ghana’s healthcare system. The BSc program will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the nursing profession, including leadership, research, and specialized clinical practice. This development positions NTC, Wa as a leading institution for nursing education in the Upper West Region and beyond.
The presence of dignitaries, including the Upper West Regional Minister and the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, underscored the importance of nursing education in addressing Ghana’s healthcare needs and the role of NTC, Wa in shaping the future of the profession. Their speeches highlighted the critical role of nurses in improving healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas like the Upper West Region. They also commended the college for its contributions to the region’s healthcare workforce and encouraged the new matriculants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion.
This landmark event not only celebrated the achievements of past and present graduates but also set a new tradition for the institution. By introducing school certificates and launching the BSc in Nursing program, NTC, Wa aligns itself with global standards, enhancing the competitiveness of its graduates in the job market. The new matriculants, now part of this legacy, will play a vital role in addressing healthcare challenges in the Upper West Region and beyond.
Looking ahead, the college plans to expand partnerships with hospitals and NGOs for student placements, introduce new programs to meet emerging healthcare needs, and host annual graduation ceremonies to maintain momentum and celebrate student achievements. The introduction of the BSc program is expected to attract more students and faculty, further elevating the institution’s profile. Additionally, the college aims to address its infrastructure challenges, including the construction of new hostels, expansion of the library, and improvement of campus lighting, to create a more conducive learning environment.
This historic event marks a new chapter for NTC, Wa, as it continues to contribute to Ghana’s healthcare system and inspire future generations of nurses. The dual ceremonies—graduation and matriculation—symbolize the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service. As NTC, Wa looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of training skilled, compassionate, and ethical nurses who will make a difference in the lives of patients and communities across Ghana.
