By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN) on Saturday, 15th March, 2025 inducted 125 graduates of the Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, into the medical profession
The 54th induction and oath taking ceremony was held at the MOP Quadrangle, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Permanent Site, Akamili Umudim, Nnewi,
In his remarks during the induction ceremony, Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN), eulogized the management of the institution under the leadership of the Acting Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu for maintaining academic excellence.
Dr. Kyari who was represented by the Assistant Registrar, Dr. Tijjani Mandaka, commended lecturers and technologists for maintaining the standards of the profession by contributing to the inductees’ academic pursuit and professional training.
The MDCAN Registrar emphasized the importance of medical ethics, noting that the profession demands respect and adherence to a hierarchical structure. He urged the graduands to uphold professional conduct and warned that the council would discipline defaulters who fall foul of the association’s ethos.
Delivering his goodwill messages, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi congratulated the graduands for their doggedness, dedication and commitment during the course of their academic pursuit. Barr. Kukoyi admonished the graduands to practice what they learned and shine as ambassadors of the university.
In his welcome address, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu stated that the colourful event was a special occasion for him as a medical consultant presiding the 54th Induction Ceremony.
Prof. Ikechebelu while congratulating the graduands commended their parents for their immense contributions in ensuring that the institution groomed and produce the next set of medical professionals. The Acting VC called on the latest medical inductees to go into the world and become role models and life savers through their professional training and conduct.
In his lecture titled, “Navigating through the Ethics of Medical Practice”, delivered by the medical elder, Emeritus Prof. Joseph Brian-D Adinma, the scholar defined medical ethics as the principles or norms that regulate the conduct of the relationships between medical practitioners and other groups with whom they come in contact with during the course of their practice.
Prof Adinma also gave insights on the guiding principles of medical ethics, code of medical ethics in Nigeria and general ethical responsibility guideline on medical practice.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja informed the graduands that they have been given the gift to restore health, alleviate suffering and save lives through the training they have had in six years.
Prof. Ugboaja while congratulating the graduands reminded them that the profession was not designed for personal enrichment at the expense of the sick.
On his part, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Jude-Kennedy C. Emejulu thanked the college for the successful training of the graduands and appreciated the MDCAN for approving the induction.
The scholar advised the graduands to catch up with new innovations and serve their nation and future generations.
Re-echoing the views of other scholars, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Gladys Ahaneku commended the graduands for their resilience and dedication towards their success story.
The consultant cardiologist charged the graduands to be ambassadors of the medical school and remember their parents and sponsors as they progress.
In a vote of thanks, the Sub-Dean and Chairman of the Induction Committee, Dr. Jideofor Ugwu appreciated the dignitaries who turned up in their numbers to make the event grand.
Dr. Ugwu affirmed that the College of Medicine will continue to sustain the academic drive of ensuring that the institution churn out qualified medical professionals that will contribute to the medical profession in the land.
Highpoints of the occasion was administration of the oath on the graduands by the Registrar of MDCAN, presentation of award of Best Graduating Student to Onyinye Diana Ezidiegwu and other awards to outstanding graduands as well as presentation of certificates
