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The Tepa Nurses and Midwifery Training College has officially admitted 783 fresh students into its academic programs for the 2024 academic year. The matriculation ceremony, held on the college campus, welcomed students into three key programs: Registered General Nursing, Registered Midwifery, and Registered Nurse Assistance Clinical.
Speaking at the event, the Principal of the college, Mr. Albert Opoku, revealed that the institution received 3,018 qualified applications this year. However, due to infrastructure limitations, only 785 applicants were admitted, including 376 for Registered General Nursing, 204 for Registered Midwifery, and 203 for Registered Nurse Assistance Clinical.
Mr. Opoku emphasized the significance of the matriculation ceremony, describing it as a formal process that inducts new students into the academic and social life of the institution in accordance with the Ministry of Health and its affiliate institutions. He noted, “The ceremony provides an opportunity for newly admitted students to pledge their allegiance to the college and to be officially recognized as part of this intellectually stimulating and socially exciting community.”
Infrastructure Challenges and Developments
The Principal expressed concerns about the exponential growth in student population, which has increased from 82 students in 2009 to 2,010 students in 2024, outpacing the development of critical infrastructure such as classrooms, hostels, ICT facilities, and skills laboratories.
Since assuming office in 2022, Mr. Opoku has prioritized infrastructural development to address these challenges. Key projects completed or underway include:
A 350-capacity hostel and a 200-capacity classroom block.
A multi-purpose sports court and summer huts at the Tepa main campus.
A three-story, 12-classroom block, with the first phase already in use.
A dining hall at the Anyinasuso campus, which is 90% complete.
Additionally, plans are in place to construct a 1,500-capacity assembly hall. These projects are being funded through internally generated funds (IGF), with significant support from the Tepa Traditional Council, led by Tepamanhene Nana Dr. Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem, and contributions from individuals.
Strategic Vision and Collaborations
The college has set a strategic vision to become a hub for cutting-edge research and service delivery in nursing and midwifery. As part of this vision, the college is in discussions with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the University of Cape Coast to introduce a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Mr. Opoku expressed optimism that this initiative would commence in the next academic year, aligning with the government’s agenda to upgrade health training institutions into degree-awarding institutions.
The college has also established partnerships with several organizations to enhance its academic and practical training programs. These include:
Tikvah Africa, an international organization supporting knowledge and skill acquisition.
Alma Mater, an NGO planning to fund a solar-powered borehole and provide computers for the college’s ICT department.
University of Tsukuba, Japan, for staff and student exchange programs.
Tepa Municipal Hospital, where a skills laboratory has been created to give students hands-on experience.
Call to Action for Freshers
Mr. Opoku urged the newly matriculated students to adopt positive attitudes toward their studies and maintain a strong ambassadorial disposition as representatives of the college. “A positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug,” he remarked, encouraging students to embrace both their academic and professional responsibilities with diligence and enthusiasm.
As the college continues to expand its infrastructure and academic programs, it remains committed to producing competitive and compassionate health professionals ready to meet the challenges of the healthcare sector.
