Samuel Ayebadiepriye Mary, a 500 level Nursing student of McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, represented Ogun State at the 2026 South West Zonal Level of the Florence Nightingale Essay and Speech Competition, organised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria in conjunction with the Ogun State Ministry of Health.

The zonal competition featured 14 participants drawn from tertiary institutions across the South West region and was held at the Telemedicine Hall of the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The theme of the competition, “Advancing Nursing Excellence through Evidence Based Practice and Compassionate Leadership: Reflections on Florence Nightingale’s Enduring Vision,” provided a platform for participants to demonstrate scholarly depth, leadership insight, and relevance to contemporary nursing practice.

Samuel Ayebadiepriye Mary had earlier emerged first at the Ogun State level of the competition. Her award for clinching the top position at the state stage was formally presented to her during the zonal event.

McPherson University team was led by Mrs. Abiola Adefolaju, a lecturer in the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, and included Mr. Babalola Segun and Miss Olajumoke Ogunleye.

Four Nursing students of the University, Ayantunde Gideon, Jegede Marvellous, Abiodun Ayooluwa, and Olojede Olateju, were also in attendance as observers, as the University reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in nursing education and professional development.