MDCN Inducts 80 New Graduating Medical Doctors of Bingham Varsity
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 80 new graduating medical doctors of Bingham University, Karu, into the medical profession, charging them to uphold the ethics of the profession.
The 80 new doctors bring the total number of medical doctors produced by the institution to 629 since its inception.
At the induction ceremony held in Jos, Plateau State, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, commended the new doctors for their perseverance in completing the rigorous six-year clinical program, urging them to dedicate themselves to the country’s development and the welfare of humanity in their career pursuits.
He emphasised the role the university has played in training medical doctors in Nigeria, noting that Bingham University is one of the leagues of universities in Nigeria that is uniquely positioned in the training of medical doctors.
He said, “Today marks a great milestone in the history of Bingham University, as we induct the 2016/2017 set of the University-trained medical doctors and dentists. I heartily congratulate our 80 MBBS graduates that have worked tirelessly in order to be counted amongst the worthy graduates to partake in this event today.
“I understand that the ratio of medical doctors to our country’s population is 1:5000, whereas the World Health Organisation recommends a ratio of 1:600 of the population. In addition to this worrisome ratio, an estimated 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria over the last five years through the japa syndrome. We therefore give God the glory that Bingham University is helping to fill the manpower gap in the medical and dental profession.”
The Vice Chancellor encouraged the inductees to stay back in Nigeria and contribute their quota in salvaging the deteriorating Nigeria healthcare system.
President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, also expressed confidence in the inductees and encouraged them to continue seeking knowledge and growth in their profession.
He charged them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards in their medical practice, reminding them of the core values of the Christian faith that were instilled in them during their studies at Bingham University.
He said, “As you embark on this noble path, let us reflect on the profound responsibility and the sacred trust that has been placed in your hands. The journey you have chosen is not merely a profession but a calling; it is a calling to heal, comfort and serve humanity with love and dignity, the sacrifices made by your parents and loved ones should not be forgotten but respectfully be appreciated.”
Earlier, Provost of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences of the university, Prof. Haroun Isah, urged the newly inducted medical doctors to maintain good behaviour, and to remember the lessons learned during their studies. He acknowledged the support of the graduates’ families, educators, and well-wishers.
Isah said, “I am more excited that we are churning out more female doctors than males. This means we are strategically raising an educated generation as these ones will ensure their children also do better.”
Of the 80 graduates, there were 46 females and 34 males, leading to a relative increase in the number of female doctors.
One of the new doctors, Miss Jennifer Chidinmma Okocha who bagged the award of best student in Paediatrics, shared her thoughts with THISDAY.
She said, “One of the things I’ve learned is that making a significant impact often involves public health initiatives; reaching out directly to the masses, listening to patients, and being an integral part of the community. This approach allows me to connect with people and understand their needs better, ultimately enabling more effective care.”
