Ahiara Diocese Secures Approval, Accreditation for Nursing, Allied Health Colleges

Ahiara Diocese Secures Approval, Accreditation for Nursing, Allied Health Colleges

 

_***Commences 2026/27 Admissions_

 

The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Imo State, has recorded a major milestone in healthcare education with the regulatory approval and accreditation of the Mater Ecclesiae College of Nursing Sciences and Mater Ecclesiae College of Allied Health Sciences, paving the way for the institutions to commence admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session. The historic development was announced by the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, during a world press conference attended by clergy, religious leaders and other stakeholders.

 

Bishop Nwobi described the achievement as the culmination of a determined effort to overcome formidable regulatory challenges and other institutional hurdles. He noted that the establishment of the colleges required perseverance, strategic planning and commitment to the vision of advancing education and healthcare delivery. According to the official approval documents presented by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Dr Evaristus Mbata, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) granted the establishment approval following rigorous inspections and verification exercises. The approval was secured at the council’s 64th general meeting, with provisional accreditation granted for an initial period of two years, subject to subsequent statutory reassessment.

 

Under the approved arrangement, the College of Nursing Sciences has an initial admission capacity of 75 students, effective October 2026. The diocese also confirmed that it had fulfilled its establishment fee obligations through the Remita payment platform, demonstrating its commitment to regulatory compliance. The press briefing, moderated by the Manager of Mater TV, Rev. Fr Jude Thaddeus Osondu, also featured presentations by Engr. Mrs Kelechi Anele and the Diocesan Chancellor, who provided further information on the institutions’ development, facilities and operational readiness.

 

The colleges are equipped with modern lecture halls, a spacious auditorium, an e-library with information and communication technology facilities, science and departmental laboratories, and specialised demonstration rooms for nursing and midwifery training. The campus also provides separate residential hostels for male and female students, alongside security arrangements intended to ensure a safe learning environment. These facilities are designed to support effective teaching, practical learning and professional development in line with the demands of contemporary healthcare education.

 

Declaring the college and admissions open, Bishop Nwobi said the institutions would admit qualified candidates strictly on merit, without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or state of origin. Admission forms are available for ₦20,000 at the diocesan secretariat in Ahiara and the college premises. Beyond professional healthcare training, the colleges will incorporate entrepreneurial studies to equip graduates with the skills needed for self-reliance, innovation and global competitiveness. The diocese expressed optimism that the institutions would contribute significantly to healthcare manpower development while opening new educational and career opportunities for young people in Mbaise, Imo State and beyond.

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