A new set of medical graduands of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye has been inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The fresh doctors, numbering 53, took the Hippocratic Oath at their induction on Tuesday, 10th January, 2023 which was presided by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, and conducted by the MDCN Registrar, Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, who was represented by an Assistant Registrar, Dr. Enejo Abdu. The event was held at the auditorium of the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences (OACHS), Sagamu Campus.
Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the medical graduands for their perseverance, hard work and commitment which, he said, culminated in the induction. He urged the 28th set of graduating doctors to keep striving for the best and always remember the University as their source. Prof. Agboola, in his speech, also congratulated all the parents and guardians of the inductees, noting that their efforts and sacrifices had not been in vain. He prayed God to enable them to reap the fruits of their labour in good health and sound mind.
The Vice-Chancellor, who stated that the medical programme of the University was designed to equip and motivate medical students to practise medicine in Nigeria and anywhere around the world, assured that the institution’s Management will continue to create the enabling environment and sustain the current high standard and reputation of its programmes. He pledged that more attention would be focused towards improving the infrastructure, teaching and laboratory equipment as well as other facilities required to enhance qualitative training of medical students in the University.
He said, “Coincidentally, I am a product of this same College and I want to use this opportunity to appreciate all my lecturers under whose tutelage I have grown to become an exemplary alumnus, occupying the seat of the Vice-Chancellor of this great University today.”
“Our Medical Programme in this University was designed in such a way that you would be equipped and motivated to practise medicine in Nigeria and anywhere around the world. The information at our disposal is that graduates of this College are doing very well within and outside the country. It is my hope that you will maintain the tempo and keep the flag flying.’’
“I advise you to continue to make use of the training you learnt here towards improving the provision of health care delivery services wherever you find yourselves. It is our hope that the training you acquired here will make you outstanding and better doctors; and I am positive that each of you has the power of transforming the ordinary into extra ordinary.”
“Let me also advise you to unleash your potentials and strive to be the best in this noble profession. As you have sworn the Hippocratic Oath today, please follow diligently the ethics of the profession and be good ambassadors of this University. As proud Alumni like me, always remember the University that produced you and contribute your quota towards its development.”
Prof. Agboola commended the efforts of the Provost, Deans, Heads of Department and the entire workforce of the College as well as the sustained synergy with the staff of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu. He also appreciated the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR and members of the State Executive Council for their contributions to the development of the institution.
Earlier in his remarks, the OACHS Provost, Prof. Adetola Olatunji, stated that the induction ought to have taken place about two years ago but for the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and strike that shut down academic activities. He, however, thanked God for sparing the lives of the graduands to witness the ceremony. The Provost appreciated the teaching and non-teaching staff in the College as well as the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) for their unquantifiable contributions to the training of the graduates. He admonished the new doctors to practise the profession with a high sense of integrity and responsibility.
Olatunji said, “There is no doubt that you have been properly and adequately trained to practise as doctors and there is no doubt that you will, but please do this with high sense of integrity and responsibility on your part, dedication to and interest of your patients at all times.”
“For those of you that may not practise medicine in future, let the discipline, morals and integrity associated with the medical profession guide you always. Though you may not be immediately and adequately rewarded financially, but you can be guaranteed of light at the end of the tunnel.”
In her lecture entitled “Be Prepared,” the Guest Speaker, Dr. (Mrs) Olabisi Dedeke, urged the medical graduands to explore new frontiers based on three Ps: plan, prepare and perform. She noted that the clinical environment was fast changing and would require the new doctors to make impactful contributions. Dr. Dedeke, who is a Chief Consultant Paediatrician at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, said while the coronavirus pandemic had transformed every facet of human existence, it behoves on medical practitioners to learn new ways of achieving goals.
The clinical environment is ever demanding. You are expected to always know what to do. You have to bring a lot of things to bear. This medical profession is a line on the fast lane; you are not going to reinvent the wheel but you must contribute your quota,” she told the graduands.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who was represented by Dr. Kayode Oladehinde; the Chief Medical Director (CMD) OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, the Elese of Ilese-Ijebu, Oba Oluremi Obayomi, as well as distinguished medical elders, Provosts and Deans, among other University functionaries.
