Sonubtha International

About Us

SONUBTHA

Meaning-School of Nursing University of Benin Teaching Hospital Alumni. These are group of nurses that graduated from University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria in West Africa. This Alumni consists of legal immigrant nurses who left their original home country Nigeria to other parts of the world such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, to mention but a few. But in spite of all odds of being in a foreign country, these individuals continue till this day to practice as registered nurses. Some even went as far as acquiring more advance degrees and specialization in various branches of nursing.

Some of SONUBTHA members are located in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The majority are practicing as Advance Practice nurses such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetist, educators, medical doctors and entrepreneurs in their various areas of interest.

Mission Statement

The School of Nursing University of Benin Teaching Hospital Alumni (SONUBTHA) International is dedicated to improving the quality and elevating the standard of practice amongst the nursing students obtaining their training at our alma mater University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin-City Nigeria. This includes the School of Nursing, the School of Midwifery, and the Post Basic Nursing School. We will work toward this goal by providing up to date medical books, medical equipment, computers, laboratory supplies, modern books for the library and refurnishing the practical rooms with modern tools and equipment. We will also establish a fund to enable the schools to organize educational seminars; renovate the hostel for the young men and women to have a comfortable living environment so as to ensure full concentration in their studies. SONUBTHA will also help its new members as they transition into the nursing profession in North America and in Europe by providing educational and moral support, a social network, and professional advisement when needed.

SONUBTHA Motto

Bountiful sowers are bountiful reapers.

SONUBTHA's History

Dr. Oghenesume Umugbe, First President

A Brief History of the SONUBTHA

The Alumni Association of SONUBTHA was the idea of just a few graduates. They pooled their funds, had a fund raising meeting and with coverage on TV and the newspapers, launched the Alumni Association. They were able to purchase books, chairs and lockers and present them to the School. This initial effort by our founders continues to be part of our mission today, to give back to the School so that students who follow us can have the highest quality educational experience possible. The early founders gathered support for the organization by walking the halls of local hospitals and talking to the nurses at work and in their homes. Dr. Oghenesume Umugbe was the first President of the organization.

Alumni

The Alumni of SONUBTHA have a history of supporting each other’s personal and professional growth, in Nigeria and the U.S. In the U.S. the alumni organization was revitalized at the graduation party for Ms. Mabel Okungbowa, as she completed her studies for nurse anesthesia at Georgetown University. Many graduates gathered, some of whom had not seen each other in decades. So many memories were shared and such a good time was had by all, that it was agreed that everyone should get together on a regular basis. Philomena Aigbe agreed to host the first Alumni gathering in Maryland. Contact was established with graduates in the U.S., Canada, London, Italy and Australia. Names and numbers were secured, our network grew and now the Alumni Association has a new life, an exciting Mission and a website to reach out even further to our graduates and friends.

Being graduates of the School means something very special and we seek to continue to formalize our network abroad so that we can continue to support each other as we settle in places far from home. We want to share our expertise, secrets of our success in our advanced practice roles and simply be a help and friend to graduates of SONUBTHA who settle in areas of the world where other graduates have already settled. Additionally, we want to give back to our alma mater. As we all progress in our careers, due in large part to the foundation given to us by our dear School, we want to give resources and materials back to the School so that students will have everything that they need to complete their studies and join our ranks as graduates.

SONUBTHA's Membership

WHO CAN BECOME MEMBERS

Membership shall be opened to all nurses who graduated from School of Nursing, Post-basic Nursing, and The School of Midwifery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Membership is voluntary and open to all nurses enumerated above.

This is automatic based on regular payment of annual dues and being an Alumni of SONUBTHA.

Active membership is required. An active member is a person who is current on membership dues and actively participates in the activities of the association.

The executive members shall have the authority to establish and define issues to be decided within the executive committee.

Termination of membership shall occur for a reasonable cause. The executive members shall be authorized to recommend to the general membership the termination of any member for just and reasonable cause. No membership shall be terminated except upon the exercise of all due process requirements. Any member may resign from the organization at any time upon written notice to the general membership. No reason for resignation need be given.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Membership fees and dues shall be set by the organization at a meeting properly convened by the organization. The organization shall fix the dues to be paid annually. An annual term is defined from the period when such person registered and paid his or her dues.

All checks shall be made payable to:
SONUBTHA International

Mailed to:
SONUBTHA INTERNATIONAL
P.O. BOX 40581
Glen Oaks, NY 11004-0581
Email - president@sonubtha.org

Website payment option (Membership dues): Under construction

National Convention

EXECUTIVE ELECTION AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

The following positions are available to BONAFIDE MEMBERS to contest for:

President & Vice President

Secretary & Assistant Secretary

Treasurer

Financial Secretary

PRO/Activity Director

Please send your intentions to the General Secretary Mr. Omorodion Okpeseyi: contact@sonubtha.org

FORMAL ORGANIZATION OF SONUBTHA INTERNATIONAL

This Alumni was formerly organized on the 19th of July, 2009 by those who attended the first reunion in Maryland. SONUBTHA’s first executive members in United States of America were elected. The name SONUBTHA International was adopted during this occasion. This name was chosen in remembrance of the parent body in School of Nursing, UBTH, Nigerian chapter.