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; and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, have charged newly inducted medical doctors to demonstrate patriotism by contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s healthcare system rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

They gave the charge during the official induction ceremony of the 2025 MBBS and BDS graduating set of the University of Ibadan, organised by the MDCN, held at the Civic Centre, Ibadan. A total of 136 inductees took their professional oath at the event.

Dr. Ilori highlighted the huge investment the Nigerian government makes in medical education, especially in public universities where tuition is heavily subsidised.

“Medical education in Nigeria, particularly in government institutions, 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 those of developed countries, Ilori noted that medical graduates abroad often begin their careers with huge student loan debts, while Nigerian graduates leave debt-free.

“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 issue of medical brain drain, popularly called the ‘Japa’ syndrome, the NACA boss urged the new doctors to resist the temptation of emigrating hastily.

“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 demonstrates government’s commitment to youth and education. We must all join hands to make Nigeria great,” she said.

In his remarks, the UI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebowale, expressed pride in the graduating cohort, commending their resilience and hard work.

“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,” he said.

He reminded them that the Hippocratic Oath they were taking was not merely a rite of passage but a lifelong covenant of trust between doctors and humanity.

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

Also speaking, the MDCN Registrar, Dr. Kyari, called for patriotism and professional integrity among the new doctors and dentists.

“Today marks a momentous occasion in your lives, the culmination of years of hard work and commitment. But remember, this is not the destination—it is the beginning of your professional journey,” she said.

She reminded them that many qualified candidates never got the opportunity they had, and urged them to uphold the ethical standards of the profession.

“You are entering a profession under close watch by colleagues, the public, and 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 warned.

The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Temitope Ogundiran, emphasised the financial cost of medical education and called for greater support for the institution.

“The government has contributed to your training. This training has been free. But government funding is dwindling. I appeal to parents, guardians, and friends to support Ibadan medical school so that students can learn in a conducive environment,” he said.

At the event, Dr. Ope Ilori, daughter of the NACA DG and granddaughter of Chief Bisi Akande, received an award as the best graduating student in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Chief Akande, who attended the ceremony, congratulated the inductees on their achievement and urged them to serve humanity with excellence and humility.