Amid an atmosphere brimming with pride and promise, the College of Medicine (CMUL) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) celebrated the induction of 134 graduates into the esteemed ranks of the medical and dental professions. The ceremony, held at the venerable Old Great Hall of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, drew a gathering of dignitaries, cherished friends, and proud families of the inductees.
Commencing the event with a resonant welcome address, Professor David Oke, the Provost of the College, bestowed upon the inductees a pivotal charge—to be not only ambassadors of the institution but also emissaries of their nation. He underscored the symbiotic essence of their training, a fusion of virtue and excellence, that would define their professional futures.
In his counsel, Prof. Oke offered the wisdom that “a virtuous physician tends to the patient afflicted with disease. Your triumph in this vocation hinges not only on your skills but also on your connection to the divine Healer.” As he acknowledged the present challenges within Nigeria, he remained confident that the resilience bred by their education would propel the inductees through the adversities.
“The Nigerian landscape is rife with challenges,” he affirmed, “yet I am steadfast in my belief that your formidable training shall navigate you beyond these hurdles, propelling you to influence the health sector positively.”
Professor Oke further urged the graduates to embrace the demands and challenges of their future, citing multitasking and interdisciplinary collaboration as essential attributes for success. With unwavering conviction, he implored them to venture into uncharted territories of knowledge, carving paths of distinction as they traversed their professional realms.
Addressing the exigent financial constraints faced by the Health Sector and the subsequent infrastructure decay, Prof. Oke rallied support from the college’s alumni, corporations, and philanthropists, echoing a clarion call to invest in the future of medical education.
The ceremonial oath-taking and affirmation, administered by Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), carried stern caution. He admonished the inductees against unbridled criticism of the regulatory body on social media. Stressing the regulated nature of their profession, Dr. Sanusi highlighted the necessity of abiding by conduct befitting doctors. He underscored that indiscriminate use of social media could inadvertently lead to breaches of patient confidentiality, in direct violation of their oath and affirmation.
In a resonant voice, Dr. Olayemi Dawodu, CEO of Clina Lancet Laboratories and an alumnus of CMUL, offered sagacious counsel to the newly inducted. She impressed upon them that graduation marked not the culmination but the commencement of their journey—a chapter enriched with possibilities. Dawodu ardently encouraged a commitment to continuous learning, the embracement of challenges as catalysts for growth, and tenacious adherence to ethical practice and compassionate care.
Her words of guidance transcended, urging the graduates to invest in their own development, cultivate purpose and authenticity, fortify resilience, and build a network of mentors. Above all, she stressed the significance of becoming outstanding ambassadors of the CMUL and UNILAG, encapsulating their journey with dignity, excellence, and unwavering commitment.
