Babcock University Graduates 93 New Doctors

Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun, on Tuesday, graduated a set of newly trained medical doctors.

They were 93 in all and inducted into medical profession by the Registrar of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Fatima Kyari, who was represented by Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka, and performed the oath of allegiance for them at the university’s ninth induction ceremony held on campus.

For them, their induction event was a dream come true, as they expressed happiness and beamed with smiles for their great accomplishment after six years sojourned in Babcock.

Addressing the new inductees, among whom no fewer than 25 obtained distinctions in various courses, including Treasure Nnaji, who finished as the best-graduating student with nine distinctions, the registrar of MDCN urged them to remain focused and committed as they move up on their career ladder.

She said they must know that indulgence in unethical practice is not allowed in the medical field as any practitioner who flouts the ethics of the profession in anyway would be duly sanctioned.

According to her, although medical practice may not be all that lucrative, the practitioners are respected in society as they deal with lives and impact humanity.

“So, you must challenge yourself. You have acquired knowledge, but it is now you will put the knowledge to use in the real sense.

“I urge you to let integrity be your watchword. You must exhibit the right attitude, be diligent, and always seek a second opinion when necessary.

“Additionally, ensure you steer clear of corruption of any form. Be a good example to others, be loving and caring, and always maintain absolute confidentiality with your patients.

“So, ensure you practice according to the dictates of the profession which is highly regulated.”

The registrar also encouraged them that, even if at all, they would go abroad for further studies, they should ensure they return home and contribute to the development of the medical profession.

She said the cost of training them here in Nigeria is huge and they should therefore think of turning the brain drain syndrome into brain gain for Nigeria.

She said Nigeria is badly in need of people who can add significant value and move it forward appreciably across fields of endeavour.

The registrar while commending Babcock University for parading high-class human and material resources in the health and medical fields, said the council would not in any way compromise standards in its regulatory role.

Earlier in his welcome address, President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, said all the graduands had been thoroughly trained with requisite knowledge and skills and good character that would help them to succeed in their chosen fields and other legitimate endeavors.

While congratulating them and their parents on the accomplishment, he urged them never to compromise standards but to always strive to save lives and add value to society.

He also asked them to always seek new knowledge, be courageous, and be faithful, compassionate, and honest in their dealings at all times and circumstances.

He said it is not only Nigeria but the world at large that are awaiting their contributions to medical field and the economy.

On her part, the guest speaker, who is a public health physician from the UK, Dr Ebere Okereke, also asked the inductees to continue to build on the solid foundation laid for them by the university.

She said even though things may get difficult along the line, they should not give up but rather find legitimate ways of surmounting challenges.

She noted that their communities and the society at large are all awaiting their contributions to medical profession and the economy at large especially at this period when Nigeria is burdened by lots of health challenges.

One of the inductees and class representatives, Dr Mogbekeloluwa  Abikoye, on behalf of the class, expressed appreciation to God, Babcock University, and their parents that they enrolled in the university and be able to graduate at record time.

He said the university offered them best training that is obtainable in any world-class university, assuring that they would be a successful medical practitioner.

Many dignitaries, most of whom were parents of the inductees, graced the occasion. They included the immediate past governor of Abia State, Mr. Okezie Ipeazu, and his wife, Nchechi; Major-Gen. Okwudili Fidelis Azinta(retd); Mr Tunde Osinjolu, who spoke on behalf of all parents; Prof John Sotunsa, who is the Provost of the Benjamin Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences, Babcock University as well as the Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun State, Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, who presented an academic excellence award plaque and sum amount of money to the overall best-graduating student as rewards for her exceptional effort.