THE UNIVERSITY of Abuja (UNIABUJA) on Saturday inducted graduands of its College of Health Sciences into medical practice.
The induction ceremony, the 6th for the university, and held at the New Lecture Theatre of the College, saw 28 students taking the Hippocratic Oath, a mandatory ritual administered to young medical doctors before they embark on the practice of Medicine, committing them to uphold the ethics of medicine.
In her welcome remark, Vice Chancellor (Ag.) of UNIABUJA, Prof Aisha Sani Maikudi, admonished the fresh doctors to put to practice all they have learnt.
Medicine, she said, “is not just a profession, it is a calling, one that demands excellence, empathy and unwavering commitment.”
She saluted parents, guardians and families of the inductees for their sacrifices, support and belief in “these bright, young individuals.”
Noting that the roles of parents and guardians in the training of the young doctors have been invaluable and their pride today well-deserved, Prof Maikudi added that the induction marks an end as well as a beginning.
“Today marks both an end and a beginning as you recite the Hippocratic Oath and swear to uphold the principles of your profession.
“You are not just joining the fraternity of healers; you are assuming a sacred cross. You will hold in your hands the power to heal, to comfort and to save lives.
“This responsibility is as heavy as it is rewarding and it requires of you without hesitation to learning, innovation and service,” the vice chancellor admonished.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Titus Ibekwe, while urging the graduands to put to practice the excellent grooming they received from among the best in the profession, revealed that the College will increase its carrying capacity from January 2025 to 300.
He noted that the University of Abuja is truly a Nigerian university as its catchment area covers all states of the federation.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr Omo-Ehijele Odafen, in his lecture, implored the graduands to develop unwavering passion for the practice of medicine, which he said “is the surest way out for a satisfying, fulfilling and enjoyable practice.
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“A doctor without the passion for the vocation is a very unhappy and dangerous doctor; and may you not be dangerous doctors; may you be happy doctors,” Dr Odafen prayed to a thunderous agreement from the audience.
According to Odafen, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, it is very easy to become disillusioned practicing in a challenging health environment like Nigeria’s due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure and limited appreciation for work done.
Odafen, amongst other things, decried the poor appropriation for the health sector where less than 5 per cent of the total budget of trillions of naira is allocated to health as against 15 per cent WHO/UNESCO recommendation.
He admonished the graduands to be kind in practice and respectful of whoever they come across, in practice and in their social engagements.
Before administering the Hippocratic Oath, Prof. Fatima Kyari of the College of Health Sciences, UNIABUJA, counselled the new doctors, amongst other things, not to japa but stay in the country to contribute their quota to fatherland.
Highlights of the event include awards and prizes to graduands who did very will in the various areas of medicine.
