Okada:Igbinedion University, Okada, has inducted 65 newly qualified medical doctors, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing patients’ welfare and adhering to the ethical obligations of the medical profession.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, highlighted the significance of medicine as a call to humanity during the 21st Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony. He urged the new doctors to maintain human life, professional integrity, confidentiality, and compassion in their practice.
Prof. Ezemonye also encouraged the inductees to practice humility, teamwork, and lifelong learning, stressing that modern healthcare demands effective collaboration among various healthcare professionals. He noted that Nigeria requires doctors who are competent, innovative, ethical, and compassionate to contribute to healthcare delivery, research, and public health outcomes.
Prof. Titus Ibekwe, an Otorhinolaryngologist and Public Health Professional, delivered the induction lecture titled ‘Take A Bow.’ He urged the new doctors to view medicine as a lifelong commitment to service, humility, and continuous learning, using the metaphor of the bow to symbolize their responsibilities. Ibekwe emphasized the importance of gratitude, service to humanity, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Dr. Andrew Eigbedion, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Edo Branch, called on the Federal Government and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to increase housemanship slots for new doctors. He warned that without this increase, medical graduates might face bottlenecks in their training. Eigbedion also encouraged the new doctors to engage with emerging technologies while maintaining the human element of their practice to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
Prof. Dominic Osaghae, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at IUO, and Dr. Mrs. Imesidayo Eboreime-Oikeh, Acting Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine, both urged the inductees to uphold the honor of the medical profession, emphasizing competence, humility, and professional discipline.
The ceremony concluded with the administration of the Hippocratic Oath and the presentation of licenses and certificates to the inductees. Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, was represented by Dr. Tijani Alimandaka at the event.