Sixty-five graduates of Igbinedion University, Okada, are now formally doctors. They were inducted at a ceremony on the university's Okada campus, where speaker after speaker reminded them that the title comes with a heavy responsibility.
A calling, not just a career
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, told the new doctors to hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. In his view, medicine is a calling more than a profession, and it asks for empathy and a firm commitment to patient care.
His practical advice was straightforward. Listen carefully to patients, keep their information confidential, and work well with nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health workers. He also encouraged them to keep learning, take part in research and embrace new technologies, and said he was confident their training would let them make a real difference in Nigeria's healthcare system, especially for the most vulnerable.
Humility was the common message
Humility came up again and again. Prof. Titus Sunday Ibekwe delivered the induction lecture, titled "Take a Bow," and asked the graduates to approach medicine with gratitude and a strong sense of duty. He urged them to remember the parents and teachers who got them this far, and the patients who will depend on them for the rest of their careers.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) was represented by Assistant Registrar Dr. Tijjani Mandaka, who spoke on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari. He told the doctors to stay respectful, honour the ethics of the profession and show proper regard for their seniors.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Dominic Osaghae, congratulated the graduates and thanked the senior academics and dignitaries who have supported medical education at the university, naming Prof. Ibekwe and Prof. Ezemonye as sources of inspiration for students and staff. He told the graduates to enjoy the moment, but to remember that they are now professionals and not students, and to go out and shine.
A call on housemanship
One of the more pointed remarks came from the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, Dr. Andrew Eigbedion. Besides urging the graduates to keep their passion for knowledge alive, he asked the Federal Government to act quickly to increase housemanship slots. In his words, current capacity cannot keep up with the growing number of newly qualified doctors, and wider training opportunities would give young doctors the hands-on experience they need to manage patients and handle difficult situations.
Top of the class
Dr. Adefesoye Kingsley was named the overall best graduate, while Dr. Ehigiegba Pamela was named the best female graduate. Speaking for the class, Dr. Adefesoye thanked the university, the lecturers and the parents who supported them through the demanding years of medical training. He said the experience taught the class resilience, hard work and humility, and encouraged his fellow inductees to stay curious and keep learning.
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