AAU Inducts 60 Medical Doctors, Charges Graduates on Ethics, Compassion and Excellence

By Ruth Osamudiame

EKPOMA – Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has inducted 60 newly qualified medical doctors of its 2021/2022 session, with stakeholders urging the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and compassionate service in the discharge of their duties.

The swearing-in and oath-taking ceremony, held at the university's Main Campus, featured the formal induction of the graduates by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Professor Fatima Kyari, who was represented by the Council's Assistant Registrar, Dr. Tijani Mandaka.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to providing quality and functional education through sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital development. He noted that the government's interventions in the College of Medicine reflect its determination to strengthen medical education and healthcare delivery in the state.

In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Professor Mrs. Eunice Omoregie Omonzogie, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering support for the College of Medicine and the university at large.

She observed that the governor's timely interventions had helped sustain the college through challenging periods and described his commitment to the institution as evident in the successful induction exercises conducted since he assumed office.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the newly inducted doctors to distinguish themselves as worthy ambassadors of the university by demonstrating integrity, professionalism and dedication in their careers.

Administering the induction on behalf of the MDCN Registrar, Dr. Tijani Mandaka charged the graduates to remain faithful to the ethical standards of the medical profession and the oath they had taken.

He warned that violations of professional ethics attract sanctions and reminded the new doctors that the nation and its communities depend on their expertise and commitment.

"Our people, communities and nation need your services. It is your responsibility to show compassion and care to every patient that comes before you and always endeavour to make patients better than when they came to you. Whenever you are in doubt, seek a second opinion," he advised.

Also addressing the graduates, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, described the healthcare environment they were entering as a challenging ecosystem marked by infrastructural deficits, brain drain, rising healthcare costs, burnout and declining public trust.

According to him, such challenges should inspire rather than discourage the young doctors. "The world does not need doctors who run from problems; it needs doctors who become solutions. Ethics must remain your compass in these turbulent waters," he said.

Professor Olowo further charged the inductees to pursue competence through continuous learning, demonstrate compassion in patient care and exhibit courage in confronting unethical practices, embracing innovation and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's healthcare system.

He reminded them that an MBBS degree is "a licence to continue learning, not a licence to stop learning," urging them to constantly update their knowledge and skills.

The ceremony was further enriched by an induction lecture delivered by Professor Idogun, who encouraged the new medical practitioners to remain committed to excellence and the core values of the profession.

The event attracted university officials, medical professionals, parents, well-wishers and other distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the successful induction of the 20th set of qualified medical doctors produced by Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.