An Exemplary Nurse and Academician
Introduction
Mercy Oyeinbrakemi Koroyin, a revered nurse and academician, dedicated her life to mentoring over a thousand nurses from the Niger Delta and beyond. Known for her godly dispositions and advocacy for education, her legacy continues to inspire many.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in Lagos, Nigeria on October 14, 1958, Mercy hailed from Amassoma town in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. She was the first child among six daughters in the family of Rev. Nestor Schulle Wilkinson Ayebiowei and Mrs. Dorcas Ayorogbo Ayebiowei. Her father, a renowned Anglican clergy, and her mother, a hardworking woman, instilled in her virtues of love, selfless service, truth, holiness, and absolute trust in God.
Educational Background
Mercy attended Girls Modern Academy in Ikoyi, Lagos, and Marywood Grammar School, Ebute Metta, Lagos, obtaining her First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate, respectively. Her nursing education spanned from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where she became a Registered Nurse, to Lagos University Teaching Hospital for her Registered Midwifery. She furthered her education with a B.Sc. in Nursing, a Diploma in Nursing Education, an M.Sc. in Nursing, and a Ph.D. in Nursing (Research Methodology) from the University of Ibadan, becoming the first Ph.D. holder in Nursing from Bayelsa State.
Professional Journey
Mercy’s career began at the Federal Ministry of Finance but swiftly transitioned to a flourishing nursing career from 1980 to 2018. She served in various capacities, including Principal Nursing Officer at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Principal at Bayelsa State School of Nursing. Her unwavering dedication to nursing education and practice earned her the Fellowship of the West African College of Nursing in 2009.
Family and Personal Life
Mercy married Dr. Godwin Akpotimibranumugha Koroyin in 1985, and together, they had four children. Despite her husband’s untimely demise in 1994, she single-handedly raised and educated her children, continuing his dream by establishing the Living Waters Hospital in Ibadan. Mercy remained a devoted Christian throughout her life, actively participating in various Pentecostal churches.
Legacy and Last Moments
Mercy’s life was a testament to resilience and commitment. She defended her Ph.D. thesis on October 4, 2018, celebrated her 60th birthday on October 14, and handed over her duties on October 15. Tragically, she passed away in a motor accident on October 16, 2018. Mercy’s legacy as a nurse par excellence and a virtuous woman continues to inspire and impact society.
