Early Life and Family

Dr. Mrs. Mercy Oyeinbrakemi Koroyin (née Ayebiowei) was born on October 14, 1958, in Lagos Island, Western Nigeria. She hailed from Amassoma town in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. She was the first of six daughters born to Rev. Nestor Schulle Wilkinson Ayebiowei, a devoted Anglican clergyman, and Mrs. Dorcas Ayorogbo Ayebiowei (née Fedapi), a courageous and industrious woman. Her parents instilled in her the values of love, integrity, selfless service, and unwavering faith in God.

Education

Mercy’s pursuit of knowledge was marked by excellence and determination. She began her education at Girls Modern Academy, Ikoyi, Lagos (1964–1970), and later attended Marywood Grammar School, Ebute Metta, Lagos (1971–1975). In 1977, she enrolled at the School of Nursing, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1980. She further obtained her Registered Midwifery qualification from Lagos University Teaching Hospital in 1982.

Her academic journey continued at the University of Ibadan, where she earned a B.Sc. in Nursing (1985), a Diploma in Nursing Education (1988), an M.Sc. in Nursing (2007), and ultimately, a Ph.D. in Nursing (Research Methodology) in 2018. Notably, she became the first Ph.D. holder in Nursing from Bayelsa State.

Professional Career

Dr. Koroyin’s career spanned nearly four decades, during which she distinguished herself as a nurse, educator, and mentor. She began her professional journey at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), rising to the rank of Principal Nursing Officer. In 2001, she transferred to Bayelsa State, where she served as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer with the Hospital Management Board.

Her passion for teaching led her to the Bayelsa State School of Nursing, Tombia, where she lectured from 2003 and was appointed Principal in 2017. She retired meritoriously on her 60th birthday, October 14, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in nursing education.

She was also instrumental in establishing Living Waters Hospital in Ibadan, keeping alive the vision of her late husband, Dr. Godwin Akpotimibranumugha Koroyin.

Membership and Recognition

In recognition of her contributions to the nursing profession, Dr. Koroyin was awarded Fellowship of the West African College of Nursing (FWACN) in 2009.

Personal Life

Mercy married Dr. Godwin Akpotimibranumugha Koroyin on September 7, 1985. Their union was blessed with four children. Following her husband’s passing in 1994, she remained steadfast in her faith, raising her children singlehandedly and ensuring they became accomplished professionals.

Faith and Service

Born into the Anglican Communion, Mercy later embraced the Pentecostal faith in 1987. She worshipped and served diligently in several churches, including Christ Chapel (Ijora, Lagos), Rhema Chapel (Oluyole, Ibadan), and Assembly of Christ (Ibadan). In Bayelsa, she was an active member of Shepherd’s Vine Christian Centre, where she led the Women’s Wing.

Final Days

Dr. Koroyin defended her Ph.D. thesis on October 4, 2018, and celebrated her 60th birthday on October 14. The following day, she formally handed over her duties as Principal of the Bayelsa State School of Nursing. On October 16, 2018, while traveling to Ibadan to finalize her doctoral work, she was involved in a tragic accident that claimed her life.

Legacy

Dr. Mrs. Mercy Oyeinbrakemi Koroyin was a trailblazer, mentor, and devout Christian whose life embodied service, resilience, and virtue. She tutored and inspired countless nurses across the Niger Delta and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the nursing profession and her community.