Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant ceremony marking the culmination of years of rigorous training, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) formally inducted seven new medical doctors from the Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences (EkoUNIMED) on Thursday, January 8, 2025. This event represents more than just a graduation; it is a vital infusion of skilled professionals into Nigeria’s healthcare system and a testament to the growth of the nation’s medical education infrastructure.
The seven inductees constitute the second batch of the pioneering set of medical doctors to graduate from EkoUNIMED, a university established to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. Their induction underscores the institution’s evolving role as a pipeline for competent medical practitioners.
The Charge to the New Doctors: Ethics as the Bedrock of Practice
During the induction and oath-taking ceremony, Prof. Gbadebo Awosanya, Vice-Chancellor of EkoUNIMED, delivered a powerful charge to the new physicians. He framed the medical profession as a sacred vocation “propelled by love for humanity,” moving beyond mere technical skill. Prof. Awosanya emphasized a triad of core virtues essential for modern practice:
- Empathy: The ability to connect with patients’ experiences and fears, which is fundamental to building trust and achieving better health outcomes.
- Integrity: Upholding unwavering ethical standards in diagnosis, treatment, and patient interactions, especially in challenging circumstances.
- Competence (Ability): A commitment to applying their hard-won knowledge and skills precisely and effectively.
“The medical profession is a field where many are called but few are chosen,” Awosanya stated, highlighting the intense selection and training process. He expressed confidence that the university had equipped them not just to succeed, but to excel and become ambassadors of the institution’s values.
The Regulatory Mandate: Lifelong Learning and Humility
Administering the Hippocratic Oath, Prof. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the MDCN (represented by Dr. Tijjani Alli), provided crucial regulatory and practical guidance. Her admonition centered on humility and continuous improvement. She stressed that the induction is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning.
A key immediate step she outlined is the mandatory one-year supervised clinical training, known as the Housemanship or Internship. This critical post-graduate year, to be undertaken in one of over 100 accredited health institutions across Nigeria, is where theoretical knowledge is solidified into practical, hands-on clinical expertise under supervision.
Prof. Kyari’s warning to “abide with professional ethics to avoid disciplinary measures” served as a sobering reminder of the MDCN’s role in safeguarding public health by upholding professional standards. Her commendation of EkoUNIMED as a “beacon of excellence” reinforces the symbiotic relationship between quality training institutions and a robust regulatory body.
The Graduate’s Perspective: Resilience Forged in the Crucible
The voice of the new doctors was represented by inductee Maneenah Abubakar, the pioneer President of the University’s Medical Students Association. Her reflection added a deeply personal dimension to the event. She acknowledged the inevitable challenges of medical training—long hours, immense pressure, and complex material—but framed them as forging tools.
Her journey, powered by resilience and determination, offers a blueprint for upcoming students. Her advice to “continue to push” speaks to the grit required to transform the arduous path of medical education into a “rewarding” career dedicated to service. Her leadership role also hints at the well-rounded, socially-conscious professionals the institution aims to produce.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Health Sector
This small but meaningful cohort of seven doctors entering the field is a microcosm of a larger national need. Each successfully trained and ethically grounded doctor helps alleviate the strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system, improving patient-doctor ratios and expanding access to quality care. The ceremony also highlights the importance of parental investment and dedicated faculty, acknowledging the ecosystem required to nurture medical talent.
As these seven doctors from EkoUNIMED step into their housemanship roles, they carry with them the hopes of their alma mater, the standards of the MDCN, and the trust of future patients. Their induction is a celebration of individual achievement and a collective investment in the nation’s health.
Reported by Kemi Akintokun for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Christiana Fadare.
