The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 140 new Medical Doctors from Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), at its 31st Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony.
Speaking during the event at the ABSU College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) Aba location, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, congratulated the new Doctors and charged them to exhibit the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and continuous learning as they practise.
“I urge you to remember the privilege you have earned and the ethical responsibilities that accompany it. Commit yourself to lifelong learning, compassionate care and respect for the dignity of every patient” the VC said.
He further added that ABSU has equipped the new Doctors with a solid foundation, cutting edge medical knowledge and practical experience they should carry as gifts to the hospitals, clinics and communities they will work as Doctors.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Administration, Professor J. U Ogbonna, thanked the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex C. Otti OFR, for his interventions in the University and the Medical College which have repositioned the Institution for greater academic development.
In his address, the Provost of the College, Professor C.I. Kamalu, saluted the courage and steadfastness of the graduates who endured many disruptions in the academic calendar due to Covid 19 pandemic and industrial strikes in the past that made them spend some extra years.
Professor Kamalu attributed the success of the 31st induction ceremony to the support of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex C. Otti OFR and thanked him for his prompt intervention in helping to restore professional accreditation by MDCN to the College, improved clinical services and stability in the teaching Hospital, as well as other infrastructural developments.
He further appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo for approving to hold the induction ceremony at the Aba location of the University, pledging to complete the student’s hostel as well as taking steps to address the manpower needs of the College.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director, ABSUTH, Professor Ijeoma Nduka, represented by Professor P E N Onyemachi also thanked the Governor for the massive transformation of the teaching hospital and pledged their support to work together with the Medical College to raise quality Doctors that will improve the fledgling health sector of Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Registrar, MDCN, Dr Fatima Kyari, who was represented by Dr Tijani Mandaka, advised the new Doctors to always abide by the ethics of their profession, warning that the Council will not hesitate to sanction any erring Doctor.
The best graduating Student, Dr Okwuchi Nwaejike, thanked her parents and the University for providing the solid educational foundation for their training and promised not to let them down.
Highlights of the ceremony were the administration of the physician oath to the new Doctors and presentation of awards to deserving graduates.
