THE Nigerian Student Association of Guyana (NSAG) hosted an evening of celebration at the poolside of the Sleep-In International Hotel on Brickdam last Saturday and it was truly an evening of fun and elegance.

There are currently more than 100 Nigerian students pursuing medical studies at the following universities in Guyana: the University of Guyana (UG); the Texila American University (TAU); Georgetown American University, and the American International University.

Organised by the current executive of NSAG under the presidency of Mr. Innocent Jarrel, the programme was chaired by past NSAG president Mr. Samuel Obiegbusi, who served until October 1, 2014.
The highlight of the evening’s proceedings was a splendid display of exquisite African attire by the doctors in training, who sported designs by student, Ijeoma Opara.

During the cultural presentation, the students showcased traditional wear from different tribes in Nigeria. Obiegbusi outlined that there are some 250 ethnic tribes in Nigeria, but there are three major tribes, namely Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Coming under those are the sub-groups, numbering more than 250.

“We tried to showcase the dressing code by ethnic groups by the modelling that was done by some of the students,” Obiegbusi said, displaying an air of pride and satisfaction.

Apart from the modelling of African wear by students, there were also masquerade performances. Obiegbusi noted that masquerade bands cut across each ethnic group in Nigeria, with every ethnic group having its own masquerade.

There was also a dinner and awards ceremony to honour students displaying academic excellence during academic year 2013/2014. Among those honoured were the following persons: Doctor of Medicine (MD) 5, Okene Innocent K, a student of Texila American

University (TAU). Okene has maintained an unbroken record for a consistently high standard of academic performance from the time he entered the university. He was honoured for academic excellence in both 2013 and 2014.

Others honoured were Doctor of Medicine (MD) 6: Asiegbu Chinedu J; MD 4: Ezeweputa Nonze Stephanie; MD 3: Doyin; MD 2A: Ihunwo Peculiar; MD 2B: Gbadeyun Tola; MD1: Joseph Ocheje and Lucky Gospel (both with the average score); Pre-Med (PM) 2: Becky Nwaimo; PM 3: Bolaji Oreoluwa Adewole.

Meanwhile, among the pioneers successfully completing their programmes in the MBBS and MD in 2013 were Dr. Obi and Dr. Chris, who were accorded a round of applause and acknowledged in absentia. They are now doing their internships at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and in Nigeria respectively.

Awards were also presented to key functionaries who have served the association well. Among them were: Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, who is also patron of the NSAG; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper; Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Pedro; and Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Education, Ms. Vera Francis.

Mr. Obinna, a representative of the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, who was on a brief official visit to Guyana, also attended the function.

(Shirley Thomas)