UNICAL: Dismiss the Idea of ‘Japa’, Nigerians Are Waiting for Your Exploit - VC Tells Graduating Radiographers

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has told the newly inducted Radiographers to talk down the idea of travelling abroad (Japa) for practice but should focus on how their impact can be best felt by Nigerians.

Prof. Florence Obi stated this in her remarks during the 17 Induction and Oath-taking ceremony of Radiography graduates held at the comrade Eskor Toyo Complex, ASUU Secretariat, of the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented, by the Deputy- Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Eno Grace Nta, said that Nigeria as a country is short of radiographers, urged the graduates to make the best out of their profession.While congratulating the newly 58 inductees, she charged them to always remember their Alma mater by giving back to the institution that made them.

In his address is the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of Radiographers. Registration Board of Nigeria, (RRBN) Prof. Mark C. Okeji commended the University Administration under the leadership of Prof. Florence Obi and the department of Radiography for the successful graduation of the new set of Radiographers which is a significant effort to cover lost grounds in the past.

Represented by the Head of the Institute of RRBN, Rad, Malachy C. Ejimofor, the Registrar/CEO of RRBN stated that Radiography is a noble profession and it demands that all her graduates are responsible, knowledgeable, and efficient health care professionals.

This is even as he charged the inductees to set themselves targets on how to improve in the profession and when to get their PGD, M.Sc. and PhD degrees in any aspect of the Radiography profession adding that the Institute of Radiography has well-structured post-graduate programmes for Radiographers which are tailored towards her members continual improvement professionally and academically.

According to him, "These programmes are in place and necessary for your professional advancement."

Prof. Ikeji however warned them to be committed and abide by the oath of Radiographers, noting that any deviation from the oath would imply misconduct punishable by the law.

He thanked graduates for their choice of coming into the radiography profession adding that It is time to justify the academic hurdles they passed through to qualify as medical radiographers.

He said, " As you are aware, the professional examinations have been reviewed and the changes shall remain while we strive to improve the mode of its administration.

"It was meant to reinforce your academic components. The Board is on her toes to ensure that we maintain the desired expectations from us and to produce Radiographers that can stand the test of time." He added.

This even as he commended lecturers, parents and the management of the University of Calabar, for the platform provided to train the graduands.

On his part, the Provost of the College of Mediçal Sciences, Prof. Ngim E. Ngim congratulated the inductees and thanked their parents and sponsors for the steadfast support given to their children while urging the inductees to be guided by the principles and code of ethics of their Profession and remain good ambassadors of their  respective families, department and the university as they step into the larger society.

 The acting Dean of the Faculty of Allied Medical Science,  Prof Nelson Osuchukwu told the inductees that they have all it takes to be successful in the field of study while charging them not to forget the principles of Radiography Ethics.

The Induction Lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Okon Esien-Umo who spoke on the topic; " Radiotherapy: The Almost Forgotten Specialty of Our Practice" stated that with the slanting of the radiography curriculum towards radiodiagnosis, the scarcity of therapy radiographers will continue to be a challenge.

He noted that if the Government in collaboration with private agencies and International Institutions put the solutions earlier mentioned in place, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Dr Emmanuel Esien-Umo stated that the factors responsible for the Lack of Therapy Radiographers in Nigeria include, Lack of awareness, the radiography curriculum in Nigeria being skewed towards radiodiagnosis and Radiography students graduating with very little knowledge in radiotherapy resulting in their lack of interest.

In his valedictory speech, the overall best graduating RRBN student, Mr. Aniekeme Samuel Akpan thanked God for seeing her and her colleagues through the academic pursuit and assured the institution that they will thrive to be good ambassadors as they step out into the labour market.