Prof. Bernice Adegbehingbe, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has said that the college graduated 157 medical and dental students, while 16 left with honours.
Adegbehingbe stated this during the Medical and Dental Professional Induction Ceremony of the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), held at Oduduwa Hall on Monday in Ile-Ife.
She congratulated the inductees for recording outstanding academic excellence in their noble profession, describing the achievement as a reflection of the discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence cultivated by the college.
The Provost said that the institution has remained committed to merit, integrity, and fairness in its admission and training processes, noting that only the brightest candidates were admitted into the college.
The Don recalled taking a difficult decision while serving as Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, by enrolling her daughter in another university after another candidate scored slightly higher for the only available slot.
The Ophthalmologist stressed that the decision was necessary to preserve the institution's integrity and standards, urging the newly inducted doctors and dentists to uphold professionalism, compassion, diligence, and integrity.
She described medicine and dentistry as sacred callings dedicated to service to humanity.
Adegbehingbe appealed to parents, alumni, and well-wishers to support the college's proposed Computer-Based Test Learning and Resources Centre, estimated at ₦350 million.
The Provost appreciated the management of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), faculty members, and parents for their support towards training the graduates.
According to her, the college remains one of the most prestigious medical schools in Africa, sustained by the sacrificial support of its alumni.
The Provost urged the inductees to carry the banner of the college and the university with dignity, courage, humility, and excellence, praying that their knowledge would bring healing, their skills would inspire hope, and their lives would leave lasting footprints of impact across the world.
Also, Prof. John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), congratulated the inductees and admonished them to prioritise compassion and humanity in medical practice.
Okeniyi described the induction as a transition from students to professionals, charging the graduands to embrace resilience, innovation, and teamwork in addressing emerging health challenges.
He advised them not to see themselves merely as the best doctors, but as leaders expected to research, inspire, and uphold the institution's legacy, stressing that although technology is important in medicine, only God truly cares.
Additionally, the OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, urged the inductees to embrace the future of healthcare with courage, compassion, and humility, charging them to pursue excellence relentlessly.
Bamire counselled them on selfless service to humanity and upholding the ethics of the medical profession at all times, reminding the graduates never to forget the institution that nurtured them, whether they practise within Nigeria or abroad.
Prof. Fatima Kyari, who also serves as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), admonished the inductees to uphold professionalism, ethical conduct, and dedication to service as they begin their medical careers.
Kyari, who was represented by Dr. Tijani Mandaka, the Head of Department of Medical Registration, MDCN, Abuja, warned the inductees against violating the ethics of the medical profession and urged them to adhere strictly to professional standards, discipline, and patients' confidentiality in the discharge of their duties.
The dignitaries who graced the induction included Prof. Godwin Avwioro, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sports University of Nigeria, Delta State, accompanied by his wife, Dr. T.O. Avwioro, Deputy Director of Nursing, OAUTHC.
The Class Representative, Dr. Toluwani Oduntan, congratulated his colleagues for their endurance and perseverance throughout the course of the programme.
Oduntan appreciated the Provost, lecturers, staff, non-teaching staff, and students for contributing their quota to their success.
He lauded their parents for their prayers and financial support, saying that their efforts towards their success cannot be over-emphasised, and prayed for their long lives to enable them enjoy the fruits of their labour.
The new inductees' representative charged his colleagues to discharge their responsibilities to society with diligence and resilience, saying that to whom much is given, much is expected.
He promised that the new graduands would not disappoint their alma mater, college, parents, and society at large.
Others present included Mr. Femi Oladapo, President of the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA); Dr. Shekina Oyebanji, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN); and Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, CMD of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), among others.
Our Correspondent reports that Dr. Boluwatife Akindele bagged the award for the best medical graduating student, while Dr. Fiyinfoluwa Akande received the award for the best dental graduating student.
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