The College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, on Tuesday inducted 74 new medical doctors into society.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari, while addressing the inductees at the main auditorium hall of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, urged them to add humanity to their profession.
According to her, “Let me urge you to enjoy today as you become a medical doctor, which I consider to be a privilege, and to remind you that you must serve your community with humility.
“You need to have it at the back of your mind that the journey of being a medical doctor has just started, and you should be mindful of the significant contribution of this noble profession to society.”
The newly inducted medical doctors include 57 males and 17 females from different states across the country.
Kyari emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules of professional conduct, which are ethical guidelines binding on every doctor in Nigeria.
She urged them to consider the privilege as a real opportunity that thousands of people are yearning for in the country.
The registrar enjoined them to be mindful of their significance in society, stressing that their journey in the medical field starts today.
“Medical practice is procedural and hierarchical, with mutual respect and reciprocity.
“The profession is patient-centred care. I am optimistic that lecturers and tutors have prepared you fully for the challenges ahead.
“You have to embrace the transformative momentum in healthcare service delivery,” she said.
According to her, MDCN is fully committed to expanding medical school intakes as well as shaping healthcare services in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bashir Garba, reminded the inductees of their responsibilities as doctors in caring for the sick and the vulnerable.
“This noble profession demands not only deep compassion but also an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and dedication.
“As the future leaders of healthcare, you bear the weighty responsibility of caring for the sick and vulnerable, which requires steadfast dedication and professionalism,” he said.
Garba commended the School of Health Sciences for their courage and dedication and reassured that the university would continue to invest more in research and scholarships.
Chairman of the occasion and former Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, urged the inductees to abide by ethics and urged parents to continue supporting them in the future.
Shehu described the healthcare landscape as evolving with numerous challenges that needed innovative minds and standards.
The Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Prof. Abdulgafar Jimoh, said graduates have been equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers.
Jimoh commended the institution’s resilience and urged the government and other stakeholders to sustain support and investments.
The event was attended by Chief Medical Director of Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Anas Samir; Chief of Staff of Kebbi State Government House, Alhaji Dahiru Maccido; and Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Sokoto State, Dr. Faruk Shehu, among other dignitaries.
The Chief of Staff to the Kebbi State Governor, while speaking with newsmen, said the state government has prioritised the health sector in order to cater to the yearnings of the citizens.
He said the governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has given approval for the recruitment of 500 medical personnel in addition to the newly approved Kebbi State University Teaching Hospital.
A cross-section of inductees expressed happiness and appreciated their parents and teachers, noting that they would utilise their positions to make an impact on society.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of different awards, with Dr Yusuf Ahovi emerging as the overall best-graduating doctor while Dr Yakubu Mariam was named the best female medical doctor.
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