By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A Prof of Hematology and Stem Cells Transplantology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Nosakhare Godwin Bazuaye has said that over 452,443 students applied to study medicine in the Nigerian universities in 2023.
He said this while speaking as the guest lecturer at the induction oath/taking of the newly qualified 2023/2024 Batch A Medicine and Surgery graduates of the Edo State University Uzairue.
Prof Bazuaye whose lecture titled: Now A Doctor, What Next, described a doctor as above average intelligent individuals trained and certified in the act of medicine to manage both physical and mental health of individuals.
He also said a doctor must be willing to go extra miles to save lives in line with the Hippocratic Oath and he must also have good character and passion to save lives.
He said Nigeria doctors today have no adequate facilities to practice and poorly paid even when they can survive anywhere in the world.
The guest lecturer hinted that medical practice in Nigeria cannot be separated from the Nigeria current situation, hence, there should be a good health insurance policy to improve practice, better pay salaries, improve facilities for practice and make working environment conducive for doctors to make the difference wherever they found themselves.
Also speaking, Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar, MDCN said the medical graduates are now certified as doctors to work in any health facility in the country.
Dr. Kyari, represented by Dr. Victor Kolawole, Deputy Registrar of the council emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules of professional conduct, which are ethical guidelines binding on every doctors in Nigeria.
“As doctors you must have passion for humanity.
“The ethics in the profession must be upheld,” Kolawole said
In his opening address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Dawood Omolumen Egbefo said the event marks a pivotal moment in the lives of the graduates and a proud occasion to the university as it inducted 46 newly qualified medical doctors for the 2023/2024 Batch A Medicine and Surgery graduates.
The Ag Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the executive governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering steadfastness, support and efforts in sustaining the university especially the transformation of the central hospital in Auchi to Edo State University Uzairue Teaching Hospital which advancement has greatly improved the facilities available for the training of the university medical students and elevated healthcare standard in Edo North and its environs.
He said the Edo State University Uzairue which was established in 2016 with three faculties and eight programmes now boast of nine faculties and over 30 undergraduate programmes all accredited by the National Universities Commission and other relevant professional bodies, which also includes PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, MPhil, and PhD degrees across various disciplines.
Prof. Egbefo, while congratulating the newly qualified medical doctors, expressed confidence that they will bring honour to the university and the medical profession, reminded them of the profound responsibilities being a doctor said the noble profession demands not only deep compassion but also an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and dedication adding that as future leaders of healthcare, they bear the weighty responsibility of caring for the sick and vulnerable.
In his welcome address, Ag Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe said the gathering mark a significant milestone in the journey of the graduates as they are about to embark on their professional journey.
He said the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in the unique curriculum which employs a competency-based pedagogy towards early exposure of the students to clinical settings, preparing them for the realities of medical practice.
Highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to Miss Idris Aisha Sina who set a record of receiving a total of 12 awards including that of the best female and overall best student.