MDCN inducts 50 ESUCOM graduands
ENUGU—–The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, yesterday, inducted 50 graduands of the Enugu State University College of Medicine, ESUCOM, into the medical profession.
While administering the oath of the medical profession on the graduands, at the ESUCOM Auditorium, Dr. Sanusi, challenged the graduands to think of what they can contribute to the growth of the profession.
He equally advised them on the current mass exodus of Nigerian trained medical doctors abroad, adding that the ‘japa’ syndrome would not do them any good because the reality of practice overseas is not as rosy as it is being painted.
Dr. Sanusi enjoined them to adhere strictly to the ethics of the medical profession, stressing that MDCN would not hesitate to remove names of members who violate the codes of practice of the professional body.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius -Michaels Okolie, congratulated the graduands who were the Batch 12th to be produced by the College.
Prof. Okolie, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Chike Nwoha, described medical practice as a service to God and humanity and enjoined the graduands to discharge their duties to the society with diligence and commitment.
He equally called on them to always support their Alma Mater by contributing to its infrastructural development, urging them not to abuse opportunities which may come their way during practice but to be good ambassadors of ESUT by being exemplary in all they do.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Uchenna Nwagha, Provost Emeritus, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, UNEC, in his address told the new inductees not to sacrifice their noble service for wealth acquisition.
He emphasized the need for them to understand their roles to the society and thanked the University Management for the father figure posture on the graduands.
In his remarks, the Provost of ESUCOM, Prof. Frank Ezugwu, while congratulating the graduands, enjoined them to enroll for specialized courses so as to distinguish themselves in medical practice.
He equally appreciated the MDCN for increasing the admission quota of the College from 50 to 120, adding that it has given the young ones who are desirous of studying Medicine more opportunity to actualize their dreams.
He appreciated the support from the Enugu State Government, and the Management team of ESUT, adding that it has enabled the College to continue in its ardous task of training medical doctors.
He equally said that the College has zero-tolerance for misconducts, adding that 23 students who were not able to attain 70% attendance to classes were not allowed to sit for their professional examinations.
The Provost commended the College administration _Deans, HODs, and non-teaching staff for their high level of dedication and co-operation to ensure that the students are given the best to enable them fit in and excel.
While delivering the Induction Lecture titled ‘Beyond Medical Studentship: Coping with Realities of of Life as a Doctor,’ the Medical Director of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Monday Igwe, told the graduands that there are challenges ahead of them in medical practice.
To scale through the challenges, Prof. Igwe, who was represented by
Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu. Dr. Okwudili Obayi, enjoined the graduands to choose the right pathways, and to avoid over -burdening themselves with many tasks at a time.
He said that the medical career ladder from housemanship to Chief Consultant are characterized by enormous stress coming from themselves, family members, society, senior colleagues and co-health workers among others, and urged them to always pay attention to their health and to eschew abuse of drugs in order to deliver quality service to the society.
While giving her valedictory speech, the best-graduating student, Dr. Chinenye Agu, told the audience that studying Medicine tested her resilience, dedication and intelligence, but added that only God was behind her success stories.
Dr. Agu, who made distinction in Biochemistry, Community Medicine, and Surgery, to graduate best in her class, thanked the Management of the University, the Provost of the College, her parents and lecturers for all the sacrifices they made in her training.
Aside Dr. Agu, three other inductees made distinctions and received prizes for their outstanding performances in some disciplines , while Henry Igboanude distinguished himself in Anatomy and Biochemistry, Precious Stephen, and Chidinma Okolo, had distinctions in Community Medicine, and Pharmacology respectively.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and special guests including the Registrar of State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, SUMAS, Anselem Onah; Anglican Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Benson Chukwunweike; former VC of ESUT, Prof. I. J Chidobem.
Others include Deputy Chairman Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Esther Ekwe; and Prof. Paul Ezeonu, Provost, FUNAI College of Medicine; the University Librarian, Dr. Ifeanyi Ezema; some Deans of faculties, parents and friends of the graduands.