Six exceptional diploma graduands from the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu, have been honoured for their outstanding academic performance in their respective programmes.
The awards, presented at the climax of the 12th Graduation Ceremony of the Ministry of Health Training Institutions (MoHTI), affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, by the Provost of KNUST’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Christian Agyare, were assisted by the Vice Principal of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu, Dr. Jerry John Akooti.
The recipients were adjudged Best Students in Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Medical Laboratory Technology, Health Information Management, and Health Promotion. They shared reflections on their academic journeys, highlighting financial challenges, demanding coursework, clinical training, and perseverance.
Lydia Fiesolib Duut – Best Student, Nutrition (CWA 89.50)
Miss Lydia Fiesolib Duut recorded the highest score among the award recipients, earning the title of Best Student in Nutrition with an impressive CWA of 89.50.
Her case study focused on nutrition-based management of diabetes, a non-communicable disease she believes can be effectively controlled through dietary intervention. She called for greater investment in nutrition services.
“Nutrition is a powerful but underutilised tool in Ghana’s healthcare system. It can be used to treat and manage conditions like diabetes,” she said.
Agnes Manambe – Best Student, Physiotherapy (CWA 86.00)
Ms. Agnes Manambe, who earned a CWA of 86.00, balanced work and academics as a Lance Corporal Physiotherapist at the Police Hospital, Accra, while pursuing her studies as a top-up student through online learning.
“Working and schooling at the same time was not easy, so hearing my name was very exciting,” she said.
She used the opportunity to advocate for greater recognition of physiotherapy in Ghana’s healthcare system.
“Physiotherapy plays a vital role in caring for children and the elderly, yet it is often overlooked,” she stressed.
Sumaila Adombire Haruna – Best Student, Dietetics (CWA 84.00)
Driven by a passion to support patients battling non-communicable diseases, Sumaila Adombire Haruna chose Dietetics to help people manage their health through proper nutrition.
His research assessed student nurses’ knowledge in diabetes management, revealing gaps in practical training and inadequate teaching tools.
“There is the need for better equipment and more detailed teaching,” he noted, urging authorities to strengthen training infrastructure to improve patient outcomes.
Paul Awinebono Akansoke – Best Student, Medical Laboratory Technology (CWA 80.94)
For Paul Awinebono Akansoke, being named Best Student in Medical Laboratory Technology came as a complete surprise.
“I was overwhelmed. I honestly did not expect it,” he recalled. “When my name was mentioned, I had to take a deep breath before standing up.”
Paul described the three-year diploma programme as intense, particularly during project work and preparation for professional examinations. “Sometimes we went to class and closed in the early hours of the morning. It was not easy at all, but here I am now as the Best Student of my class, it was worth it,” he added.
Godwin Sabil Bugre – Best Student, Health Information Management (CWA 79.00)
Best Student in Health Information Management, Godwin Sabil Bugre said the recognition affirmed a journey shaped by perseverance and faith. Raised by a single parent, he recalled his academic journey as challenging but rewarding. His project examined health professionals’ resistance to electronic health records, highlighting concerns about usability, workload, and job security.
He urged stakeholders to intensify education on digital health systems, stressing that electronic health records are designed to improve efficiency and data security, not replace health workers.
Faima Wasibu – Best Student, Health Promotion (CWA 77.00)
Faima Wasibu’s journey to becoming Best Student in Health Promotion was shaped by determination and community support.
“Without help from kind-hearted individuals, I would not be here today,” she said emotionally, calling on benevolent individuals and institutions to support students facing similar challenges.
The climax session of this year’s MoHTI graduation ceremony celebrated a total of 1998 graduands from the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu. The graduating class were encouraged to demonstrate excellence wherever they are posted.
Story: Abigail Ofori & Abena Agyeiwaa Brefo Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
