Meet South University MSN Grad Eziechina Barford Okwor
Eziechina Barford Okwor has worked as a clinical specialist, charge nurse, and registered nurse in nephrology, emergency room care, neurology, and surgical environments throughout his career. This broad experience gave him a well-rounded foundation as he pursued his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization at South University. Eziechina completed his online MSN Adult Gerontology program in late 2025.
This summer, The Nurses Magazine recognized Eziechina as part of the 2026 Men of Honor: The Most Impactful Men in Nursing. He was celebrated at an event in Savannah, Georgia, as one of 44 men from around the nation who "are breaking barriers, demonstrating exceptional leadership, and making a lasting impact on patients, communities, and healthcare systems across the nation."
A Passion for Affordable Quality Care
Eziechina is passionate about providing adults with accessible quality care. “I decided to focus on geriatric adult care to ensure that our elders are taken care of because they have given so much care and knowledge to the youths of the world,” he explains.
In his hometown of Enugu, Nigeria, Eziechina has worked closely with the community to understand their health needs and find ways to help them get cost-effective care in remote rural environments. One day, he hopes to be part of that solution. “I would like to sponsor or open a clinic in my hometown in Africa to provide care for the geriatric population and adults,” he shares.
Eziechina has already made an impact on many people. During the COVID pandemic, for example, he saw the great need for nurses in densely populated cities. To help, he traveled to the highly impacted New York City, temporarily leaving behind his family and home state of Texas.
The Impact of a South University Nursing Degree
Beyond its reputation in the nursing field, Eziechina chose South University for its flexible online classes. The online format allowed him to keep working to support his family while gaining new clinical experience and pursuing his educational goals.
He also appreciated the support of the nursing faculty and staff, including the assistant clinical coordinator who helped him secure a new clinical preceptor when the original one could no longer offer him a spot. Eziechina also credits his academic counselor for her contributions. “She was exceptionally helpful with logical scheduling of courses that allowed me to achieve the most successful program outcome while I was working,” he says.
Across his MSN classes, Eziechina reviewed many research studies and patient cases, got valuable hands-on experience, and had insightful discussions with his mentors and peers. He also got involved outside the classroom. He even attended a legislative session in Austin, Texas, where he learned about bills intended to expand nurse practitioners’ scope of practice.
By the time he finished the MSN program, Eziechina was confident in his knowledge and skills in adult annual exams, screenings, cardiovascular risk assessment, health promotion, acute and chronic care, care for psychological conditions, gynecologic care, and prenatal care.
“South University’s professors and lead faculty in the MSN program taught courses in a manner to help ensure knowledge is gained and retained for future success,” Eziechina says.
Nursing Student Advice
One lesson Eziechina has learned is that being a good nurse practitioner isn’t just about technical skill. “Focused leadership, clear communication, and effective teamwork are essential to providing optimal quality care,” he says.
Being willing to learn new things is likewise important, as is good character and a positive attitude. Those things, he believes, help you overcome many challenges. For example, people have told Eziechina that patients wouldn’t be comfortable with a male nurse. With his caring, friendly nature, he easily proved those skeptics wrong. “We all have a positive purpose in life,” he advises. “Never give up on your goals and dreams. You are a role model for someone, so keep shining bright!”
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2026.
