Igbinedion University Inducts 65 New Medical Doctors

Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria’s premier private university, has inducted 65 new medical doctors at a ceremony held at its Okada campus, with university authorities and representatives of professional bodies urging the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, humility and compassion in their practice.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, charged the inductees to maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct as they begin their careers.

Prof. Ezemonye described medicine as a calling that goes beyond professional practice, stressing that it requires empathy and an unwavering commitment to patient care.

He urged the new doctors to listen attentively to their patients, respect confidentiality and work collaboratively with nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals.

The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the graduates to pursue continuous professional development, engage in research and embrace emerging technologies, expressing confidence that their training would enable them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in serving vulnerable populations.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, Dr. Andrew Eigbedion, urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and maintain their passion for knowledge.

Eigbedion also called on the Federal Government to urgently increase the number of available housemanship slots, noting that the existing capacity is inadequate for the growing number of newly qualified doctors.

He said expanding housemanship opportunities would enable young doctors to gain the practical experience required to manage patients effectively and deal with challenging clinical situations.

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Dominic Osaghae, MNI, congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the contributions of senior academics and other dignitaries to medical education at the university.

He specifically recognised Prof. Titus Ibekwe and Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, whose continued service to the university he described as an inspiration to students and faculty.

While encouraging the graduates to celebrate their achievement, Osaghae reminded them of the responsibilities that come with becoming medical professionals.

“You are no longer students but professionals. Go and shine,” he told the inductees.

Delivering the induction lecture titled “Take a Bow,” Prof. Titus Sunday Ibekwe urged the new doctors to approach their careers with humility, gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility.

He encouraged them to appreciate the people who supported their journey, particularly their parents and teachers, while reminding them of the patients they would serve throughout their professional careers.

Representing the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Assistant Registrar, Dr. Tijjani Mandaka, advised the inductees to remain humble, respectful and committed to the ethics of the medical profession.

He urged them to respect senior colleagues and maintain professional discipline throughout their careers.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted doctors, the overall best graduating doctor, Dr. Adefesoye Kingsley, thanked the university, lecturers and parents for their support throughout the demanding years of medical training.

Kingsley said the experience had instilled resilience, hard work and humility in the graduates. He also urged his fellow inductees to remain curious and committed to continuous learning as they begin their careers.