Igbinedion University Inducts 65 New Medical Doctors

Nigeria's Premier Private University, Igbinedion University, Okada, has formally inducted 65 new medical doctors at a colourful ceremony on its Okada campus, where university leaders, professional bodies and guest speakers urged graduates to serve with humility, integrity and compassion.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, told inductees to uphold highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. He described medicine as a calling rather than merely a profession, one that demands empathy and unwavering commitment to patient care.

He advised new doctors to listen attentively to patients, respect confidentiality and collaborate effectively with nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health professionals. He also encouraged continuous professional development, research and adoption of emerging technologies, expressing confidence that their training would allow them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's healthcare system, particularly for most vulnerable.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, Dr. Andrew Eigbedion, urged graduates to commit to lifelong learning. He also called on Federal Government to urgently increase housemanship slots, saying current capacity is inadequate for growing number of newly qualified doctors. Expanded training opportunities, he said, would give young doctors practical experience needed to manage patients.

Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Dominic Osaghae, congratulated graduates and acknowledged senior academics and dignitaries who have supported medical education at university. He singled out Prof. Titus Ibekwe and Prof. Ezemonye, whose continued service he described as inspiration to students and faculty. Urging doctors to celebrate while remaining mindful of new responsibilities, he said: "You are no longer students but professionals. Go and shine."

Delivering the induction lecture titled "Take a Bow," Prof. Titus Sunday Ibekwe encouraged inductees to approach medicine with humility, gratitude and strong sense of responsibility. He asked them to appreciate those who supported their journey, particularly parents and teachers, and to remember patients they would serve.

Representing Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, Assistant Registrar Dr. Tijjani Mandaka admonished doctors to remain humble, respectful and faithful to ethics of profession. He urged them to respect seniors and maintain professional discipline at all times.

Speaking on behalf of graduates, best graduating doctor, Dr. Adefesoye Kingsley, thanked university, lecturers and parents for support through demanding years of medical education. The experience, he said, had instilled resilience, hard work and humility, urging fellow inductees to stay curious and committed to continuous learning.