Bayero University, Kano (BUK), held its 4th induction ceremony for graduates of the Doctor of Optometry programme, officially welcoming 55 new optometrists into the profession.
The event, organised by the Department of Optometry in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, marked a significant milestone for the institution and the newly inducted professionals.
Administering the oath of allegiance, the Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, charged the inductees to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct.
He warned that optometry is becoming more critical as global eye-health challenges rise, noting projections that nearly half of the world’s population may be myopic by 2050 due to the increasing use of digital devices.
Dr. Awiaka stressed the need for more specialised centres and hospitals across the country to meet growing eye-health demands.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Host, Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, highlighted the vital role optometrists play in preventing vision impairment and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
He commended ODORBN for its regulatory efforts and urged the new Doctors to embrace innovation, technology and excellence in their professional practice.
The Chairman of the occasion and Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Professor Abdulrahman Abba Shehe—represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Suwaid Abba Mohammed—advised the graduates against seeking greener pastures abroad. He emphasised that the Nigerian government and its institutions had invested heavily in their training and appealed to them to contribute their expertise to national development.
Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Idris Mohammed Yahaya, described the induction as a significant achievement, noting that BUK remains the pioneer institution in Northern Nigeria offering a Doctor of Optometry programme. Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Professor Saleh Ngaski Garba, praised the University Management for ensuring modern facilities and high standards of training.
Head of the Department of Optometry, Dr. Barbie Ejukonemu, expressed pride in the graduation of the fourth cohort for the 2023/2024 academic session, describing the ceremony as a fulfilling moment for the department.
The event also honoured exceptional performance, with Dr. Yusuf Ademola Adesina emerging as the overall best graduating student.