In an epoch-making ceremony, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Igbinedion University, Okada community witnessed the transformation of individuals from diligent medical students to compassionate healthcare givers ready to embark on their journey to serve humanity.
In his welcome address at the ceremony on Tuesday, 6th February, at the university’s main library conference hall, the Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, said he does not doubt that the graduating class will make Igbinedion University proud, noting that their contributions will leave a lasting legacy in the field of medicine.
“Permit me, at this point to acknowledge the exploits and visionary leadership of our Founder and Honourable Chancellor, His Excellency Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, Esama of Benin Kingdom for providing the nurturing platform that produced today’s Inductees,” Prof. Ezemonye remarked.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, “This year, precisely on 10th May 2024, Igbinedion University will be celebrating 25 years of pioneering excellence not only as the first private university in Nigeria but also the first of such university to produce medical doctors and other professionals who are excelling in practice globally.
“The university is not oblivious to the current challenges facing the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria which includes a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals such as medical doctors, nurses, and other support staff. As always, our university is committed to partnering with the MDCN in its current drive to expand access to medical training as a response towards mitigating some of these challenges.”
While congratulating the graduating set, Prof. Ezemonye said, “Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the field of medicine have brought you to this momentous day. Today, as you take the Hippocratic Oath, you are not only embarking on a noble profession but also accepting the responsibility that comes with the privilege of being a foremost healthcare provider.
“There is no gainsaying that the field of medicine is dynamic and ever-evolving. Therefore, I urge you to embrace this opportunity for continuous learning and growth. Stay curious, be adaptable, and never lose sight of the human aspect of healthcare.
“Each patient you encounter is a unique individual with their own story and you must approach your practice with empathy and respect. Indeed as you step into the world of healthcare, I encourage you to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence that define our university.”
Altogether, 16 medical doctors, 10 females and 6 males, of the Oba Sijuade Okunade College of Health Sciences, IUO, were inducted at the ceremony. It will be recalled that the first batch of newly qualified medical doctors of the same set were inducted sometime last year.
Performing the critical role of formally admitting the newly qualified medical doctors into the medical profession and practice, the representative of the registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Henry Okwukwenye charged the newly inducted medical doctors to brace up for the task that is ahead of them, stating that they have proven to their teachers that they are trainable and ready to be trained in the field of Medicine.
The induction climaxed with the administration of the Hippocratic Oath, and Taking of Bow, as well as the Presentation of Licenses/Certificates to the Inductees.
Doing justice to the Induction Lecture Topic: “Life as a Doctor” at the historic event, the Guest Speaker, Professor Austine Obasohan, former Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), in his induction lecture unusual, gave his life career experience as a pro bono to the graduates.
Prof. Obasohan urged the newly inducted qualified medical doctors to go for research training and obtain the requisite qualifications needed.
The Guest Speaker also advised the Federal Government to fix the health sector and give appropriate remuneration to medical professionals to stop the mass exodus of medical graduates to foreign countries in search of better remuneration packages and more friendly facilities for training and practice.
“Let’s hope that things will improve soon in Nigeria so our doctors can come back home and contribute to the system,” Prof. Obasohan said.
Earlier, in her opening address, the Ag. Dean, School of Clinical Medicine, Dr. (Mrs.) Imesidayo O. Eboreime-Oikeh said the sixteen young men and women have demonstrated courage noting that she is proud to call them professional colleagues.
