UNN graduates 82 medical doctors, dental surgeons

The Nigerian health sector was on Monday boosted with the injection of 82 young medical doctors by the University of Nigeria College of Medicine.

Of this number, 70 are medical doctors while 12 are dental surgeons.

Presenting the graduands to the medical and Dental council of Nigeria for induction, at a joint ceremony held at the Ituku-Ozalla Campus, Enugu State, the dean of the faculty of medical sciences, University of Nigeria, Prof. Sebastian Ekenze, said the graduands had been found worthy in character and learning in line with the dreams of the founding fathers of the University.

According to Prof. Ekenze, who is a paediatric surgeon, “today we celebrate the induction of 82 distinguished persons into the revered profession of medicine and dentistry, and having passed through the refining environment of the only university of Nigeria, found worthy in learning and devoid of moral turpitude, we are pleased to give our assent”.

He continued: for the 82 graduands, the journey to this day has been arduous, the path littered as it were with physical, social and spiritual encumbrances, but by the special grace of God, you excelled and I congratulate you.

However, as you step out of this hall today, be reminded that technically you are not a graduate yet (hence the use of graduands) until the degree of MBBS (Nigeria or BDS Nigeria) is formally conferred on you in a properly constituted convocation.

The dean also appreciated the contributions of the vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, adding that within one year of his leadership, he propelled and has sustained the university of Nigeria to the number 1 position in webometric ranking and restored the accreditation of many departments as well as exposed the university to uncountable international collaborations.

Prof. Sebastian Ekenze also praised the guest lecturer, Emeritus Professor Frank Akpuako, on his lecture titled “the sublime traditions of the medical profession, a privilege of a life time”, pointing out that the erudite scholar accepted the assignment within a very short notice.

Continuing, the dean made a passionate appeal to their alumni, guests and corporate Nigeria to partner with the University and see ways of improving the facilities therein and leave lasting legacies, even as he also urged them to endeavour to sow a “seed” in the college of medicine and mankind will be bountifully rewarded and his dignity fully restored.

In the lecture titled “the sublime traditions of the medical profession, a privilege of a life time”, former provost of the college of medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Emeritus Prof. Frank Akpuaka, charged the medical graduands to stick to the ethics of the profession and practice with dignity and excellence.

The renowned plastic surgeon condemned the get-rich-quick syndrome among young medical practitioners and warned against issuing fake medical reports for purposes of money.

He recalled that a Scottish playwrite had once said that “those who bring sun shine to their patients, can not keep the sun shine away from themselves, if you bring smile to your patients by treating them well, their smile will come back to you, good name is gold”.

Earlier, the vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, expressed joy that the institution was now better than he met it more than four years ago. He said that within the period under review, the university had witnessed several transformations and has enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere.

The induction of the 2018 class could be described as a special edition, as children of the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba and the chief medical director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku Ozalla, Dr. Chris Amah, graduated as medical doctors. The lucky celebrants are Dr. Chinemerem Jean Amah, Dr. Ogochukwu Linda Amah and Dr. Onyinye Sara Ozumba.

The provost of the college of medicine, UNN, Prof. Uchenna Nwagha and his deputy, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, the dean of the faculty of dentistry, UNN, Prof. Felix Chukwuneke and the award-winning chief medical director, university of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Dr. Chris Amah, were among dignitaries who graced the occasion.