The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) celebrated the induction of its newest medical doctors, marking a significant milestone as the institution has now produced 5,082 medical professionals, a contribution described by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem Egbewole, as remarkable for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Prof. Egbewole hailed the graduates as the “golden set”, coinciding with Unilorin’s 50th anniversary. He encouraged the doctors to approach their careers with confidence, compassion, and capability, emphasizing their potential to positively transform healthcare both nationally and internationally.
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He reminded the inductees that real-world medical practice differs from classroom and laboratory experiences. Continuous learning, he stressed, is essential as they begin to make independent clinical decisions previously guided by consultants during training.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Prof. Egbewole urged the new doctors to respect other health professionals and embrace teamwork, ensuring every patient under their care experiences competent and compassionate care.
College of Health Sciences Provost’s Advice
Earlier, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, encouraged the graduates to uphold the nobility and core values of the medical profession. He emphasized service to humanity, ethical conduct, non-discrimination, and confidentiality as pillars of the profession.
Prof. Alabi reminded the inductees that doctors are regarded globally as highly esteemed professionals and must reflect honour, discipline, and integrity in all aspects of practice. He urged them to listen attentively to patients, dedicate adequate time to care, and approach healing with sincerity and devotion, drawing parallels between medical service and divine care.
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Guest Speaker Inspires Lifelong Commitment to Medicine
Alumnus of the University, Dr. Festus Odunayo Oshoba, delivered a keynote lecture titled “From Gown to Town: The Medical Profession Provides a Great Opportunity”, inspiring the new doctors to maintain professionalism, ethics, and discipline.
Dr. Oshoba described medicine as “a calling, a covenant, and a journey of service”, urging the graduates to measure their success by the lives they touch rather than titles or material achievements.
NMA Chairman Welcomes New Doctors
Also addressing the inductees, Prof. A. O. Afolabi, Chairman of the **Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State Chapter**, welcomed them into the medical community, urging them to serve with humility and contribute to nation-building. “Walk into the world as servants, not masters,” he said, emphasizing the lifelong responsibility that comes with the profession.
Ceremony Highlights
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The event featured an oath-taking session led by the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, represented by Deputy Registrar Dr. Enejo Abdul, as well as the presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding graduates.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the University, former Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Departments, traditional rulers, family members, and other well-wishers, making it a memorable celebration of excellence and commitment to healthcare.