By Bright Anyanwu
History was made on Thursday, 31st August, 2023 as the Department of Radiography/Radiological Science, Faculty of Health & Technology, Nnewi Campus, Nnamdi Azikiwe University inducted 138 fresh breed Radiographers (The Class of 2022 – The EI’Lassers) into the noble Profession of Radiography.
The Ceremony was the 14th Induction/Oath-Taking Series of the Department.
The event was anchored under the distinguished Chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone who was represented by the Provost of the College, Prof. Gerald Udigwe.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the Inductees and their Parents/Guardians and the Department for graduating the students despite some setbacks in the course of their studies charging the Inductees to live up to the Oath of the Profession.
The Vice-Chancellor averred to continue the giant strides to accomplish Project200 Policy notwithstanding the current economic downturn.
Currently, UNIZIK is ranked 4th in Sub-Saharan African according to Times Higher Education (2023).
Prof. Esimone commended the College for supporting his policies so far.
Earlier in his address, the Provost, Prof. Gerald Udigwe welcomed the Graduands and the Guests to accient city of Nnewi, the industrial hub of Igbo land where the programme is domiciled.
He congratuted the Inductees and promised to continue to make the environment more conducive for learning and convivial for staff and students.
The Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences & Technology, Prof. M.J. Nwankwo congratulated the Inductees for working hard to graduate.
He said e that the Faculty was happy for their success appreciating all the partners that contributed to the success of the Graduands, especially the Premedical Unit Awka, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Sister Departments in the Faculty of Health & Technology and the Department of Radiography.
Prof Udigwe charged the Inductees to endeavor to remember their almamater when success smiles on them.
The Head, Department of Radiography, Dr. Daniel Ugwuanyi congratulated the Inductees for pulling through despite the effects of COVID-19 Pandemic and the protracted ASUU strike action which tried to thwart their programme.
He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for assisting the Department to secure Full Professional (RRBN) and National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditations.
Dr. Ugwuanyi commended all their training partners, especially Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Management led by Chief Joseph Ugboaja, for contributing immensely to the success of the Graduands.
He admonished the Inductees to always uphold the Culture of Excellence which he described as a key to success in the course of their professional practice.
On a sad note, he remembered Late Chigemezu Godson, a member of the class who met his untimely death in his final year.
The Induction Lecture titled Achieving Professionalism Through Continuous Professional Development in Radiography was delivered by Dr. Obinna Abonyi (Department of Radiography, UNETH).
The induction lecturer charged the Inductees to always abide by the Rules and Regulations guiding the Profession; and always strive for professionalism vide a tripod prism, namely; Positive Enthusiasm Attitude, Good Ethical Conduct and Willingness to Learn New Skills.
The Medical Elder of Occasion, Dr. Musa Y. Dambele, the National President of Association of Radiographers of Nigeria commended the Inductees for working hard to graduate.
He advised them to be good ambassadors of the University, give their best to the society, be disciplined, avoid dubious activities, maintain high ethical and professional conduct and never undermine the integrity of the noble Profession.
He beckoned on them to endeavor to give back to the society before seeking greener pastures abroad.
The high point of the Occasion was the Oath-Taking Session which was moderated by Prof. M.C. Okeji, the Registrar of Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, ably represented by Mr. Malachy Ejiomofor, the Head of Institute of Radiography.
The Registrar commended the Inductees for the wonderful feat and charged them to remain hardworking, focused, assiduous and ever ready to acquire as much knowledge and skills as possible commencing from the period of internship through the initial years of their professional practice.
He advised them to avoid quackery, and learn to consult a senior colleague, if in doubt, before any critical decision is taken. He reminded them never to practice beyond their training limits.
The Valedictorian Speech was delivered by Ms Onyema U. Ngozi who bagged the Best Graduating Student Award with the CGPA of 4.46.
The ceremony was graced by eminent personalities in the University including Prof. Ejeatuluchukwu Obi, the Deputy Provost; Prof. Charles Onyenekwe, Director TETfund; Prof. Samuel Meludu, Director, Centre of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Studies; Prof. Kingsley Ubaorji, ASUU Chairman; Dr. Stephen Ufoaroh, Immediate Past ASUU Chairman; Prof. Gabriel Anene, Department of Physics; Mr. Oduche Chris, the College Deputy Bursar and Prof. Joseph Umunnah, the Emcee.
