… registering over 130,000 doctors since inception
Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Fatima Kyari said the council has so far registered over 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception.
The registrar, who was represented by the Deputy registrar, Dr Victor Kolawole, revealed this during the induction/oath taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University Uzairue 2022/2023 batch B Medicine and Surgery graduates.
She said the medical and dental council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental and alternative medicine in Nigeria, adding that in 2023 as a result of the increase in migration of doctors outside the country, only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practice licence, saying with the induction of 20 newly qualified doctors into the health workforce, other training health institutions will follow.
“By this induction of 20 new doctors into the health workforce in Nigeria, we hope that other institutions will follow suit even as the government has said that the quota should be increased in all our training centres,” she said.
She, however, admonished the new medical practitioners to uphold the sanity of the profession and be law abiding as the council is mandated to regulate activities of the practitioners as well as punish offenders.
In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Professor Emmanuel Aluyor, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and a proud moment for the university.
Prof Aluyor appreciated the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for his unwavering support for the university, saying with his support, the university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Teaching Hospital.
According to Aluyor, the significant upgrade of the Central Hospital Auchi to Edo State University Teaching Hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifted the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.
The VC stated that the university since inception stemmed from the imperative to address the growing demand for quality tertiary education in Edo State and Nigeria, while recognizing that nurturing human capital through education is paramount for meaningful development.
Congratulating the newly qualified doctors on their significant milestone, he said their professional journey has just commenced and having every confidence that they will bring honour to the university and the MDCN.
Dr Ofunre Eboreime, the guest lecturer at the occasion whose lecture titled: The Life That is Worth Living As A Doctor is in the Service to God and Humanity, said doctors are revered for medical expertise, dedicated to alleviate suffering and promote health services.
He said becoming a doctor required sacrifices, a special kind of dedication, a high level of selflessness and a strong desire to help others.
Dr Eboreime highlighted the components by service to include humility, integrity, balance service to God and man, maintenance of committed and resilient attitude, even in the face of adversity, gratitude for opportunity to serve, blessings and lessons learned along the way and help foster a positive outlook and a sense of joy in the service of others.
On her part, the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the milestones recorded since the establishment of the university.
She said the Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, is very interested in ensuring that the tertiary institutions in the state are producing world-class graduates, particularly as he has continued to implement the education reform under the Edo Best agenda.
The special guest of honour however admonished the newly inducted doctors to move on from the university, saying they should not forget where they started from and as an alumni of the university, there is an expectations that they remain connected to the school and their experiences for the most tasks have been positive and as a result of that, and should remember their time at Uzairue, in the school and Edo State.
Speaking in the same vain, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Ali, congratulated them for graduating at the stipulated time of six years notwithstanding what they went through, but today they have been confirmed as medical doctors.
He advised that this is not the end but like the beginning as they will have to enroll for NYSC after that chose on what to do, either residency or not, and whatever they choose, they should always recognize that they are representatives of the university as it will always reflect as people will always ask where did you trained.
According to Ali, there is no malaria for big men and poor people as the symptoms and treatment are the same but the facilities may be different, so they should have respect and equal treatment for their patients.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Ag Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the management team for their visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence, which have been instrumental in shaping the medical college into a centre of excellence.
This, he said, is evident in the recent team of delegation from the Federal University Lokoja, who came with a mission to understudy the medical Programme of Edo State University Uzairue.
Dr Atoe equally acknowledged the trainers and teachers of the newly graduated medical doctors for their exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria, saying their pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of medical professionals has not gone unnoticed.
“Your tireless efforts, dedication and expertise have not only equipped the newly graduated medical doctors with the necessary skills and knowledge but have also instilled in them the values of compassion, integrity and professionalism,” he said.
While congratulating the newly qualified medical doctors, he charged them to internalize the values of honesty, integrity and selflessness as the virtues are not only essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships but are also integral to upholding the ethical standards and trustworthiness expected of a medical professional.
