By Samuel Sunday
The Ekiti State University (EKSU) College of Medicine on Wednesday formally inducted 51 medical graduates during its 6th MBBS induction ceremony, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and ethical practice in the medical profession.
The event brought together university leaders, medical professionals, parents, families, and dignitaries on Wednesday, highlighting EKSU’s commitment to producing competent and ethically grounded doctors.
The University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, commended the graduates for their discipline and resilience, describing the induction as a “moment of joy earned through struggle.”
He highlighted the support of the Ekiti State Government, which provided 750 medical beds for training, and the College of Medicine, which contributed an additional 100 beds. Senator Michael Bamidele also donated hostels to accommodate medical students.
Professor Akande Oladimeji Ajayi, Provost of the College of Medicine, noted that many graduates began their studies in other departments before transferring to medicine in 2017.
He praised their perseverance despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and industrial actions, urging them to uphold the highest professional standards and remain connected to the college beyond graduation.
Delivering the induction lecture, Professor Abiodun Olugbenga Adewuya, a mental health scholar, stressed that medical competence must be paired with ethical decision-making, empathy, and moral courage. He urged graduates to seek mentorship, maintain professional boundaries, and safeguard their mental well-being. Professor Adewuya also pledged ₦500,000 to reward the best graduating student in psychiatry.
Miss Irusota Edewede Agatha emerged as the overall best graduating student with four distinctions. She described the ceremony as both humbling and empowering, acknowledging lecturers, clinical instructors, university management, and family members for their guidance and support throughout the eight-year journey.
Medical leaders delivered goodwill messages, advising graduates on proper documentation, empathy, patience, and ethical practice.
Prof. Fatima Khari is the registrar/CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. Represented by Dr. Ogundale Aliyu, registration procedures, provisional licensing, and housemanship requirements, stressing supervision, referrals, and adherence to professional regulations.
Graduates took the Declaration of Venice, a modified Hippocratic Oath, formally affirming their commitment to ethical medical practice. Thirty female doctors were recognized for breaking barriers, with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria urging them to uphold integrity, well-being, and active participation in the profession.
The ceremony showcases EKSU’s role in preparing medical professionals capable of serving both local and global healthcare systems while maintaining ethical standards and professional excellence.
