One hundred and one graduates from Babcock University’s Benjamin Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences have been inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) during the institution’s 10th medical graduation ceremony.
The event marked a major milestone, formally transitioning the graduates from students to practicing healthcare professionals.
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President/Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ademola Tayo, represented by the Senior Vice President of Academics Prof. Philemon Amanze, reiterated the importance of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
He framed the MBBS degree not as an end, but as the beginning of a journey of lifelong learning and impactful service urging the students to pursue purpose over popularity.
“You have to pursue purpose over popularity. Seek service, not status,” and outline five pillars for success including: competence, compassion, integrity, collaboration, and faith.” He advised
On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the challenges ahead but encouraged the graduates to remain focused and leverage their potential to positively impact lives.
She highlighted the significant contribution they could make to the Nigerian healthcare system.
“The path you have chosen is not an easy one. To achieve greatness, you must diligently utilise every opportunity and commit to making a lifelong impact on the Nigerian healthcare system and the lives of each person you come across.” She stated
The Provost of the College, Prof. John Sotunsa, re-emphasized the graduates’ multifaceted roles as caregivers, system reformers, policy influencers, and technology adopters, urging them to contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Chisom Okafor, the top-performing graduate with 10 distinctions in her final MBBS exams, received numerous accolades, including cash prizes totaling N400,000 from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Ogun State and anonymous donors.
Dr. Tijjani Ali Mandaka, representing the MDCN Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, advised the new doctors to learn from experienced professionals, acknowledge their limitations, and collaborate effectively to positively impact the healthcare sector.