No fewer than 3,703 candidates have undergone the post-UTME screening exercise of the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, with only 450 candidates expected to secure admission into the institution's 3 campuses.

Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, disclosed this while monitoring the screening exercise at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta campus of the College, explaining that the institution currently operates campuses in Abeokuta, Ilaro and Ijebu-Ode.

Oladehinde, said the College began admitting students through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 3 years ago after securing full accreditation from the relevant national regulatory bodies, adding that the programme would enable graduates to earn a Higher National Diploma (HND), which would equally make them qualify for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), obtain the Basic Nursing Certificate and an additional professional qualification in either Midwifery or Public Health.

"This year, we have over 3,700 candidates seeking admission into our three campuses, making the process highly competitive, but we can assure all applicants that admission will be strictly on merit because the exercise is being conducted in conjunction with JAMB, and that is why the quality of our graduates has remained consistently high," he said.

The Permanent Secretary commended Governor Dapo Abiodun, for his sustained investment in nursing education, noting that government support had made it possible for the College to secure accreditation while efforts were ongoing to complete the second phase that would further strengthen its HND programme.

The Provost of the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, Dr. Jeminat Sodimu, said the large turnout of candidates reflected the institution's longstanding reputation for excellence since its establishment in the 1970s, adding that with the support of the State Government, adequate measures had been put in place to ensure every candidate was given a fair and equal opportunity throughout the screening exercise.

Two of the candidates, Mrs. Lilian Lawrence and Mr. Tomori Abdulmumini, expressed optimism about gaining admission into the institution, describing the screening exercise as well organised, transparent and seamless, while commending the College for ensuring a smooth process despite the large number of applicants.