The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori; Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and others, on Monday charged the newly-inducted medical doctors in Nigeria to demonstrate patriotism by contributing meaningfully to the country’s healthcare system, rather than seeking opportunities abroad, and uphold ethics as well as excellence in medical practice.

Ilori,Kyari, Adebowale and the Provost of UI College of Medicine, Prof. Temitope Ogundiran made the call during the official induction ceremony of the 2025 MBBS and BDS graduating set of the UI organised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

The ceremony was held at the Civic Centre, Ibadan, with 136 MBBS/BDS inductees took their professional oath.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ilori emphasised the immense investment the Nigerian government makes in medical education, especially in public universities where tuition is heavily subsidized.

“Medical education in Nigeria, particularly in government institutions, whether federal or state, is almost free. You pay little or nothing in terms of fees. That should be seen as an investment by the government into your lives and careers,” she said.

Comparing the Nigerian system with that of high-income countries where medical graduates often start their careers burdened by student loans, the DG reminded the graduates of their obligation to give back to their homeland.

“In countries like the U.S. or the U.K., medical graduates often have student loans hanging over their necks. But here, you’re graduating debt-free. That is a privilege and a call to service,” she added.

Addressing the ongoing wave of medical brain drain, popularly referred to as the “Japa” syndroms, Dr. Ilori urged the graduates to resist the urge to emigrate hastily. Instead, she urged them to look beyond the allure of foreign opportunities and see the potential in contributing to a better Nigeria.

“The grass is always greener on the other side, but there are many untapped opportunities here, especially in this era of renewed hope under President Bola Tinubu. The President has introduced student loans for those in need. That is a demonstration of government’s commitment to youth and education. We must all join hands to make Nigeria great,” she said.

Addressing a distinguished audience comprising academic leaders, healthcare professionals, parents, and dignitaries, UI VC, Professor Adebowale expressed profound pride in the graduating cohort, highlighting the tremendous rigour and resilience that had defined their academic journey.

“You have journeyed through the demanding terrain of medical education. Today, you cross the threshold from being students of medicine to being custodians of the noble profession,” the Vice-Chancellor declared.

The VC reminded the inductees of the sacredness of the Hippocratic Oath they were about to take, describing it as not merely a rite of passage but a lifelong covenant of trust between doctors and humanity.

Adebowale stressed the vital role the new professionals would play in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond. He urged them to remain empathetic, ethical, and continuously committed to learning.

“Let the ‘Ibadan brand’ be synonymous with competence, empathy, and ethical practice wherever you go,” he said, calling on the new doctors to be problem-solvers and innovators in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

In her remarks, MDCN Registrar Dr. Fatima Kyari, called for patriotism, and professional integrity to Nigeria’s newest medical and dental professionals.

“Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion in the lives of our graduates, the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to purpose.But remember, this is not the destination. This is the beginning of your professional journey ,” Dr. Kyari said.

Kyari urged the new professionals to recognise the weight of the privilege they hold, reminding them that for each one of them who gained admission, hundreds were equally qualified but never got the chance.

Amid rising concerns over the “Japa” wave, the mass emigration of healthcare workers from Nigeria, Dr. Kyari echoed a growing national sentiment: a passionate appeal for doctors to stay and contribute to the country that trained them.

In her address, Kyari emphasised the ethical expectations of the profession. She reminded inductees that the practice of medicine in Nigeria is regulated, hierarchical, and grounded in mutual respect.

“You are entering a profession under close watch, by colleagues, the public, and the regulatory bodies. Any report of infamous conduct will be thoroughly investigated, and if substantiated, may lead to serious disciplinary action, including removal from the register,” she stated.

In his remarks, the Provost, Prof. Temitope Ogundiran said medical education is costly, saying: ”The government of Nigeria has contributed to your training. This training has been free. The funds from the government are dwindling. I am appealing to friends, parents, and guardians to support Ibadan medical school so that students can learn in conducive environment. To contribute to train newer generation of doctors and dentists”.

The daughter of NACA DG and granddaughter of Chief Bisi Akande, Dr. Ope Ilori was given an award as the best performing graduate from Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Chief Akande, who graced the occasion congratulated the inductees.