College Of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, Makes Nigeria Proud, Wins National Nursing Students Olympiad

The College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, a Catholic institution owned by the Diocese of Nnewi and under the pastoral stewardship of the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, has brought pride to Nigeria after emerging winner of the 2026 Nigerian Nursing Students Olympiad (NNSO).

The College, located in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, recorded the outstanding feat through one of its students, Master Kenneth Nnabuife, who demonstrated exceptional intellect, resilience, composure, and professional excellence throughout the competition.

Organised under the auspices of Nurse Quest Nigeria, the Nigerian Nursing Students Olympiad is an annual academic competition designed to promote and reward excellence in Nursing and Midwifery education across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The competition progresses through the state, zonal, and national stages before culminating in a grand finale, where outstanding participants receive major cash prizes.

Representing the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, Kenneth Nnabuife emerged first at the Anambra State stage of the competition to qualify for the South-East zonal contest.

At the zonal level, he competed against some of the brightest nursing students from institutions across the South-East and secured second place, earning qualification for the national finals.

At the grand finale held in Calabar, Cross River State, on July 17, 2026, Nnabuife teamed up with Miss Chibueze Favour of Abia State College of Nursing Sciences, Umuahia, to represent the South-East geopolitical zone. The duo delivered an outstanding performance to emerge overall champions of the competition.

For their exceptional achievement, they received the first prize of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira).

Speaking after the victory, an elated Kenneth Nnabuife expressed profound gratitude to the College for providing him and his colleagues with a sound academic foundation that prepared him for the competition. He said he was proud to have served as a worthy ambassador of both the institution and his family.

According to him, "My journey through the Nursing Quiz Competition was filled with challenges, learning, determination, and success. It was not an easy journey, but through hard work, dedication, and the grace of God, I was able to achieve this remarkable milestone."

He also paid glowing tribute to the disciplined academic culture introduced by the Manager of the College, Rev. Fr. Chidiebere Ughaerumba, since assuming office. Nnabuife prayed that God would continue to guide, protect, and bless the Manager and his team as they strive to sustain academic excellence and produce highly competent healthcare professionals.