Okey Sampson, Aba
No fewer than 30 fresh doctors took professional oath at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu during its 25th induction/swearing-in ceremony of graduating medical doctors of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (ACMHS) recently.
The Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Christian Aluka reminded them that the overall objective of their training was to equip them with knowledge, skills, behaviours, attitudes and practices that will make them capable, compassionate and reliable medical practitioners.
He noted that it was always rewarding to practice medicine with the fear of God, guiding against such practices that will not give God glory nor bring honour and dignity to mankind.
“I will, therefore, advise you before this crowd of witnesses to practice medicine with the fear of God. Care for the sick and dying patient. Pursue excellence and service. Remember the days of the untrained general practitioner are over and embark on post training early.”
The provost said ACMHS has enjoyed tremendous support and goodwill from the Abia State University administration led by Prof. Uche Ikonne who he said has increased the staff strength in all the faculties of the college. He disclosed that the authorities equipped the Pathology/Pharmacology laboratory complex with modern facilities and embarked on the construction of a 300-bed space which he said was nearing completion.
These goodies on their own have yielded positive results for the college, he said.
“It was not a surprise that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Accreditation Panel gave full accreditation for the college and also increased the quota of our admissions.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ikonne said the institution in training students would always abide by its motto:
“Excellence and service” by producing students of quality to help in nation building.
He urged the new medical graduates to be disciplined and endeavour to engage in practices that would bring honour to their alma mater, society and parents as well.
Conducting the swearing-in and the induction, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Registrar, Dr. TAB Sanusi told the inductees that the whole world would be looking at them the way they would carry on their duties as medical doctors. He added that the onus laid on them to prove they were given sound training.
Father of one of the inductees, Sir Celestine Kanu expressed joy that he was alive to witness the day, adding that it was not easy seeing his son through all the years in school.
“I am very grateful that I am alive today seeing my son is being inducted as a medical doctor. Again, it is a thing joy more so when one remembers that it was not all those given admission to read medicine made it to the last.”
His son, Dr. Celestine Kanu (Jnr.) likewise thanked God for being with him all through his stay in school. He eulogized his parents for their love for him and seeing him through his studies in the university.
He promised to practice the medical profession with the fear of God and the moral and ethnic standard required.