The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 83 new medical doctors from Gregory University Uturu (GUU) in Abia State during its third induction ceremony for the university’s graduates. The induction, held yesterday, included 83 doctors from the institution’s third graduating batch, with female graduates outnumbering their male counterparts.
At the ceremony, GUU Chancellor Ikechukwu Gregory Ibe Jnr announced on behalf of the Founder’s family a cash reward of two million naira for the overall best graduating medical doctor, Dr. Chidera Celine Ugoh. In addition to this prize, Dr. Ugoh received other cash awards from the university and gifts from members of the public.
The GUU Founder, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe Snr, conveyed through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Uwaoma Kalu Uche, that his motivation for establishing the university stemmed from a vision of human empowerment, particularly in the medical field.
He recalled that his twin children are both medical practitioners, one of whom is a professor, emphasising that the induction of this third batch reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.
Pro-Chancellor Professor Augustine Uwakwe and Vice Chancellor Professor Celestina Njoku, in their separate remarks, highlighted the milestones achieved by the university’s medical graduates and students as evidence of hard work, rigorous study, and resilience. They noted that the rapid emergence of medical training institutions across Nigeria calls for an expansion of medical facilities and institutions to absorb the growing number of certified and registered professionals entering the workforce.
During the oath administration, the MDCN Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, represented by Dr. Mandaka Tijjani, Head of the Registration Department, emphasised the importance of knowledge, integrity, empathy, and respect for senior colleagues in the practice of medicine. She urged the new doctors to abide by professional ethics, avoid misconduct, respect senior medical practitioners, and know when to seek guidance or refer cases. Dr. Tijjani also encouraged them to pursue specialisation in line with global trends, rather than remain general practitioners.
The Provost of the GUU Medical School, Professor Shadrach Offiah, advised the inducted doctors to maintain the curiosity that carried them through medical school and become agents of change in their chosen fields. He noted that medicine is constantly evolving with new technologies and treatments, and continuous learning would be essential for improving patient care.
Dr. Chidera Celine Ugoh, the best overall graduating medical doctor, expressed gratitude during her valedictory speech. She described her journey through medical school as challenging, with moments of struggle including studying on an empty stomach and battling fear and self-doubt. She credited her perseverance to her faith and the unwavering support of her mother, Presca Ekeh, who never let go of her hand throughout the ordeal.
